£10 million in highway improvements – £50 million over 5 years – and more than £750,000 in a new neighbourhood clean up team were also approved as part of the budget.
Council Leader Stephen Simkins said the budget showed the council was listening to its residents by investing in what matters most to them.
“I call this the ‘you said, we did’ budget,” Councillor Simkins said.
“From our budget consultation to conversations on doorsteps, we’ve listened carefully and closely to what our residents have told us to get a real understanding of the issues they face.
“First and foremost, we’ll carry on delivering excellent service for our residents – that’s a given. But we know what issues matter most to them are and that’s why we’re putting extra money into roads, neighbourhoods and building new homes for local people.
“That’s on top of looking after children in care and vulnerable adults, and providing financial support to those most in need.”
Commitments in the approved budget include:
- Resurfacing the city’s roads – £10 million in 2026-27 and £50 million over the next 5 years on highways maintenance
- Clearing up neighbourhoods – £750,000 on new Love Your Community Neighbourhood Teams
- Slashing city centre car parking charges – from as little as £3.50 all day and £2 in the evening
- A 3 year freeze on garden bin charges
- More fly tipping enforcement – £250,000 extra on new staff and six roving cameras to catch culprits
- Building 500 new council homes with more than £100 million funding
- Launching ‘Boost’ – a scheme to increase income and improve life chances for our residents
Councillor Simkins added: “Thanks to our track record of managing our money well, combined with a positive financial settlement from Government, we’ve been able to deliver this ambitious budget and invest in the priorities of our residents.
“We will continue to invest in our city and town centres, making them great places to visit, and boosting the city’s economy with hundreds of millions of pounds investment in new homes for local people, new jobs, attractions, learning opportunities and much more.”
