Stoke-on-Trent City Council Unveils 2025 Budget Focused on Protecting Services, Supporting Families and Financial Stability
The budget includes an £8.6 million Recovery Grant to help manage financial pressures and a £6 million Social Care Grant for vulnerable residents.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has unveiled its 2025 budget, a plan that focuses on protecting essential services, helping families, and managing finances responsibly to create a more secure future for the city.
After more than a decade of financial hardship, including £96.8 million in funding cuts since 2010, the council is now in a stronger position thanks to careful planning and £14.6 million in new government funding. The budget includes an £8.6 million Recovery Grant to help manage financial pressures and a £6 million Social Care Grant to improve services for vulnerable residents.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the council, said:
“We have not only stopped the seemingly relentless rise in children in care over recent years but achieved sustained reductions. These are serious achievements that give us confidence that our approach is the right one for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.”
The budget reflects a balanced approach to managing the city’s finances, protecting the services that matter most while making practical adjustments to save money and ensure long-term stability.
Supporting Families and Reducing Pressure on Services
One of the biggest successes highlighted in the budget is the fall in the number of children in care. For the first time in years, the number has dropped, showing that the council’s focus on early intervention and support for families is working.
As of December 2024, there were 1,091 children in care, down from 1,151 at the end of the previous financial year. This reduction is thanks to the Family Matters programme, which provides early help to families before problems escalate. By keeping more children with their families, the council is not only improving outcomes for young people but also reducing costs for children’s social care services.
Councillor Ashworth added:
“It’s about helping families stay together and addressing problems before they become serious. This not only saves money but also means better lives for our children.”
Keeping Services Running with Minimal Cuts
Despite ongoing financial challenges, the council has managed to keep public-facing cuts to just £1.1 million of the proposed savings will affect frontline services, a significant reduction compared to previous years. The remaining £6.4 million will come from back-office efficiencies, ensuring essential services remain protected. In addition, while 20 vacant roles are set to be removed, just one redundancy is being proposed at this stage, meaning residents will see little to no impact on services.
The council’s Exceptional Financial Support loan of £16.8 million from the government will help cover the cost of children’s social care, allowing the council to stabilise its finances while continuing to invest in the city’s future.
Councillor Alastair Watson, cabinet member for financial sustainability, said:
“We are bringing financial stability and clear strategic direction to this council. This budget is a step along that path.”
Practical Savings on Streetlighting
One of the cost-saving measures outlined in the budget is adjusting the brightness of streetlights in non-residential and non-pedestrian areas. This move will reduce energy bills and help the council save money, without putting residents at risk.
The council is working closely with Staffordshire Police to ensure that no lights are dimmed in areas where safety could be a concern. By focusing on areas with little foot traffic, the council can cut costs while keeping public spaces safe.
The streetlight adjustments are expected to reduce the council’s electricity bills, freeing up funds that can be used to support other vital services.
Why These Changes Are Needed
Since 2010, councils like Stoke-on-Trent have faced significant financial pressures, with government funding reduced by £96.8 million over the past decade. This has made it more difficult to maintain essential services, especially in social care, which now accounts for 59p of every £1 the council spends from its budget.
However, the 2025 budget shows that the council’s financial improvement plan is working. By securing new government grants and making practical savings, it is now in a better position to protect key services and invest in the city’s future.
What the Budget Means for Residents
To ensure that the council can keep services running, there will be a 4.99% council tax increase, which includes a 2% rise for social care. For most households, this means an increase of just £1.04 per week.
Even with this increase, Stoke-on-Trent’s council tax levels remain among the lowest in the country. Most residents will continue to pay less than people in similar areas.
Looking to the Future
The budget is not just about balancing the books – it’s about building a better future for Stoke-on-Trent. The council is committed to long-term investment in areas that will boost the local economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.
Key areas of focus include:
Supporting local businesses and job creation
Improving education and skills programmes
Revitalising town centres
Enhancing transport services
Investing in social care improvements
The council will hold a public consultation until 10 February, 2025, giving residents the chance to have their say on the budget proposals. The final decision will be made at the full council meeting on 27 February, 2025.
With these changes, Stoke-on-Trent is on track for a more stable and prosperous future. The council’s focus on practical savings, protecting families, and securing funding means residents can look forward to a stronger, more resilient city.
4.99% increase. Why not just go for the max 5% 🤔