Keeping people safe, investing in Calderdale’s towns and places and moving to a more sustainable financial position are the priorities in the Cabinet’s budget proposals for 2026/7.
The proposals were presented by the Leader of the Council at a Cabinet meeting on Monday 8 December 2025, marking the start of a seven-week public consultation.
The Council will have more certainty about how much funding it will have from the government when it receives a 3-year settlement later this month. This will provide more stability for local government finances and enable better long-term planning.
The Council continues to prioritise support for those who need it most, with over 70% of the total budget now spent on adults’ and children’s health and social care.
Nationally and locally demand for these services, and for SEND and for those tackling homelessness has continued to rise. High inflation has increased costs across all services, adding additional pressure to the Council’s budget.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader said:
“We are fixing the foundations for the Council and for Calderdale, now and for the future. It’s a careful, considered set of budget proposals, so that we will be on a firmer footing in the years to come.
“Our priority remains keeping people safe and protecting them from harm. We want the residents of Calderdale to live good lives and achieve their potential, so we are investing in the services which support people with the most complex needs:
- for people who are experiencing domestic abuse;
- for people who want to live independently in their own home for longer, we are expanding our Occupational Therapy team;
- for people with disabilities, we are improving assessments to make sure they have the right support at the right time and
- we are investing in those services which keep our buildings safe for the people who live, work or visit them.
“We’re also investing in the services which we know are important to residents and our local businesses:
- we will spend an additional £4 million per year to maintain our highways network, which is vital for our thriving towns;
- we’re investing in the enforcement teams which tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour which we know can blight our communities and
- building on the success of our Year of Culture, we are investing in CultureDale, so that we can continue to grow our creative sector, providing opportunities for our talented young people and reinforcing our reputation as a place of creativity and hope.”
The Council is legally required to set a balanced budget each year.
Based on the Council’s current financial forecast, the local authority is now facing a budget deficit of £6.7 million in 2026/27.
To protect and maintain vital public services the Cabinet’s budget proposals include an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%.
These increases are expected of the Council by the Government when it calculates how much funding the local authority will receive within the financial settlement.
This includes a Council Tax increase of 2.99% in line with the limit set by Government and an additional 2% Social Care Precept to help fund and protect social care services to vulnerable adults and children.
The Council will make further savings by reducing administrative costs, managing vacancies, increasing income through charges and rents and making changes to the way some services are delivered to improve efficiency.
People can have their say on the Cabinet’s budget proposals by completing the online survey: www.calderdale.gov.uk/budget(external link). The closing date for responses is midnight on Sunday 30 January 2026.
Alternatively, for those unable to access the online survey, feedback can be provided by downloading the form available at www.calderdale.gov.uk/budget(external link).
Comments can also be emailed to budget@calderdale.gov.uk or posted to:
BUDGET CONSULTATION, TOWN HALL, HALIFAX, HX1 1UJ
The deadline for receipt of all comments is Friday 30 January 2026.
The proposals will be finalised by the Cabinet on Monday 9 February 2026 and the budget will be set at Budget Council on Monday 23 February 2026 at Halifax Town Hall.
ENDS