Chorley Council look to raise council tax by 2.99% as budget proposals revealed

Residents in Chorley are being asked for their views on budget proposals ahead of a full council meeting in March, where the final budget will be considered.   

Respond to the consultation

The consultation is open until 7 February.

Local Government is facing financial challenges and while there is uncertainty about future funding and increases in inflation, Chorley Council is proposing a balanced and ambitious budget, with continued investment to ensure that Chorley can thrive and become an even better place to live, work and visit.   

Some key areas identified in the proposed budget are:  

• £837,700 to create temporary accommodation to help larger families who are experiencing homelessness.

• £32,400 to improve access to social housing, supporting people trying to access social rented homes.  

• £308,000 to carry out renovations to the West Wing of Astley Hall and support the ongoing preservation of our heritage assets  

• £1.56 million to create the infrastructure for weekly food waste collections

• £331,000 to implement a targeted business grants programme to encourage growth and expansion.  

• £215,700 to progress the delivery of the Central Lancashire Local Plan to ensure sustainable development and investment opportunities that meet local needs.  

• £44.48 million to deliver town centre transformation
• £47,000 to support Chorley’s voluntary and community sector

• £3.65 million to deliver the refurbishment of All Seasons Leisure Centre

• £74,700 to continue to deliver the cost-of-living action plan to provide a range of ongoing interventions around food, fuel poverty, debt and housing.  

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council said, “I am pleased that despite financial uncertainty, we have been able to propose a balanced budget which we think will allow us to continue to deliver our vital services while investing in key areas we know are important to our residents – tacking some of the big issues which have impact on the quality of life for our communities.

“We’ve been working hard to reduce our costs and maintain services. This has included changing the way that we work, generating income through smart investment and finding new ways to deliver services more efficiently, such as through digital and automated processes and reviewing staffing structures and service.

“Like many households across the borough, however we too have faced large increases in inflation that have driven up our costs, whilst also increasing demand for our services.”

To tackle the ongoing financial challenges and to ensure continued excellent service delivery, the council is proposing an increase in their portion of council tax of 2.99%, which is the equivalent of 12p more a week for a band D property.

The council will continue to support those most vulnerable and in need of additional council tax support through the council tax support scheme. 

The Garden Waste collection, an opt in service, is also proposed to increase by £2.50 to £40 per year.  

Councillor Wilson continued, “It’s never an easy decision to raise our charges, but this, alongside our making savings and efficiencies is the only way we can still support our communities each day.  

“Our council tax rate remains one of the lowest in Lancashire, and our opt in garden waste subscription is the equivalent to just £1.82 per collection.

“We are an ambitious council who regularly goes above and beyond what is usually expected of a local authority. We have our residents at heart and have showed time and time again we make smart and considered decisions which allow Chorley to thrive.

“In the last 12 months we have worked to improve housing standards across the borough, delivered a jobs and skills programme and developed a plan to encourage visitors to the borough.  

“We installed new bus shelters, made improvements to the bus station, and worked to support our Net Zero goals.

 “Through our social prescribing service, we provided supported access to housing, finance and wellbeing support, alongside delivering a Health and Wellbeing Programme including a healthy weight programme. We have also looked to tackle anti-social behaviour through an action plan including working with our partners, and a programme of activities for young people in the school holidays.”  

The closing date is 7 February and other versions of the consultation can be requested at council offices.

The consultation responses will be collated and considered as part of the full Council meeting in March 2025.