Politically Speaking column with Councillor Jane Scullion: A positive Budget

We’ve had cut after cut from government over the last 15 years, savaging budgets and making it hard to plan for the future.

What has really helped is that for the first time in ten years, the Labour government has given councils a three-year funding settlement. That’s a big deal. Although we can’t pretend that all the challenges have vanished overnight, it feels like we can finally move on from patching up problems to sensible forward planning.

Thanks to the Labour Government’s Fair Funding Review, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It means more stability, more certainty and, crucially, the chance to plan longer term. After years of austerity and relentless cuts, that stability brings something else too: hope.

This is very much a Labour budget. We aim to reduce inequalities with projects like making sure children don’t go hungry in the holidays; to support our thriving towns, markets and heritage; and to prevent flooding and help keep energy bills down through our climate change work.

We’re providing for those who need services most, like your elderly neighbour or the child next door with autism. We’re stepping up to meet the demand for services that keep adults and children safe and we’re supporting the Learning Disability Team as well as helping adults who need assistance managing their finances.

We’re strengthening the Community Safety Team to clamp down on fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. And there’s a renewed push to reduce the use of bed & breakfast accommodation, because no child should be doing homework on the floor of a temporary room.

Our capital investment is also ambitious. I’m pleased to say that there is major investment in highways, with £12 million being spent over the next three years, shifting from endless short-term pothole repairs to longer-lasting road resurfacing over the next three years. We’re creating over 200 additional school places for special needs and building a new school, keeping our kids closer to home. Playgrounds will be refreshed, and more in-house residential homes will be developed for children in care.

We’re keeping savings to a minimum where possible, focussing on efficiencies, digital innovation and modernising the way the council works. Moving to e-billing for Council Tax is one small but practical example – saving paper and money at the same time. Reserves are also being replenished to ensure long-term resilience.

Of course, none of this removes the need for tough decisions. We still have to raise Council Tax by 4.99 per cent. It’s not a step we take lightly, but budgeting makes it unavoidable if key services are to be protected.

In short, this budget is realistic about the pressures ahead – but it’s also proud of Calderdale and ambitious for its future. It’s about steady finances, stronger services and a borough that refuses to talk itself down. After years of strain, that feels like a positive place to be.