THE opposition Liberal Democrat councillors voted against the 2026/27 Warrington Council Budget, warning it puts vital community facilities and public safety at risk.
Councillor Sharon Harris raised concerns about the future of leisure centres, community hubs and libraries. She said, “A budget must be judged not just on balancing the books, but on its social value. Leisure centres like Woolston Hub and Broomfields are not luxuries. They are valued spaces supporting health, wellbeing and community connection.”
She warned that proposals to redesign leisure services and potentially deliver them from fewer locations could leave some residents, particularly older people, families without cars and those on low incomes, effectively cut off.
She also expressed concern about plans to rely more heavily on volunteers in libraries. “Volunteers should complement professional librarians, not replace them. We must not hollow out services that tackle loneliness, provide digital access and support learning.”
Councillor Judith Wheeler focused on public safety concerns, including significant reductions in street lighting and proposals to switch off town centre CCTV.
She said, “These proposals risk making the town feel less safe and making Warrington a more dangerous place to visit, live and work. Cutting street lighting and switching off CCTV could also increase fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly for shift workers, young people travelling home late, and those without access to a car. The Council’s own policies say CCTV deters crime and reduces fear. Turning it off sends the wrong message to residents.”
The Liberal Democrat Group acknowledged the severe financial pressures facing the Council but said difficult decisions must not undermine community safety and essential local infrastructure. They will continue to stand up for residents and fight to protect the services that keep our communities safe, active and connected.
For these reasons and because Warrington remains so reliant on Government rescue funding without yet demonstrating long-term financial stability, the Liberal Democrats voted against the budget.
Council rubber-stamps budget for year ahead meaning residents will end up paying more for less
