AHEAD of tonight’s Warrington Borough Council budget meeting, the Liberal Democrat opposition have warned that members must confront the scale of the authority’s financial risks and avoid decisions driven by short-term political considerations.
Cllr Helen Speed, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Warrington says, “The Council’s own financial reports make clear that the position is serious. The Section 25 report from the Council’s Section 151 Officer / Head of Finance identifies a cumulative budget gap of £179 million over four years, an £87 million forecast deficit next year, significant service pressures, and reserves that are not considered proportionate to the risks facing the authority. An external review referenced in the report concludes the Council cannot demonstrate value for money and lacks a sustainable multi-year financial plan.
None of us want to see this Council destabilised. None of us want residents facing emergency measures, but wanting success means facing financial reality. The warnings in these reports are professional assessments, and we have a duty to take them seriously.”
The Liberal Democrats have also raised concerns that a significant proportion of the planned savings are either delayed or undeliverable, compounding financial pressures year after year. The Council has sought hundreds of millions of pounds in Exceptional Financial Support from Government, a figure which increased following an accounting error.
Cllr Speed adds, “Exceptional Financial Support does not solve the underlying structural problems. It narrows flexibility and increases long-term pressure. Without a credible, fully costed and deliverable recovery plan, the trajectory remains deeply concerning. The approach taken at the upcoming meeting must prioritise long-term stability over short-term political comfort. The choice before us is not optimism versus pessimism — it is realism versus complacency.
Avoiding a Section 114 notice, which effectively means a Council is bankrupt, must not become a matter of political expediency. If we are serious about protecting residents and securing Warrington’s future, we must base our decisions on evidence, transparency and deliverability.”
The Liberal Democrats say they support reform, stabilisation and recovery, but will judge the proposed budget on whether it provides credible governance, robust financial controls and a realistic plan to close the gap. They say that Warrington deserves strong leadership and financial discipline. The decisions taken now will shape the town’s future for a generation.
Meanwhile, two public protests are set to take place ahead of tonight’s Full Council meeting at the Parr Hall from 5.30pm, involving the Save Woolston Hub campaign group and opposition to proposed CCTV cuts.
