Key Points
- Bolton Council schedules tax rise vote.
- Meeting set for February 25, 2026.
- Proposed four point nine nine hike.
- Budget deficit drives urgent decision.
- Residents urged to attend consultation.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 18, 2026 - Bolton Council has announced an emergency meeting to deliberate a proposed council tax rise for the 2026 fiscal year, amid mounting financial pressures from central government funding cuts and rising service demands. The session, slated for February 25 at the Town Hall, will address a potential 4.99 per cent increase, the maximum allowed without referendum, as local authorities grapple with a £2.5 million shortfall. Councillor Linda Barlow, Cabinet Member for Finance, emphasised the necessity of the hike to safeguard essential services like social care and waste management.
What triggered Bolton Council's 2026 tax rise proposal?
Bolton Council's decision stems from a confluence of fiscal challenges exacerbated by years of austerity and post-pandemic recovery costs. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Bolton News, the council faces a £2.5 million budget gap for 2026-27, despite efficiency savings of £15 million over the past decade.
“We have exhausted all non-taxpayer options; this rise is the last resort to protect vulnerable residents,” stated Councillor Barlow in the article.
Local government funding in England has plummeted by 23 per cent in real terms since 2010, according to the Local Government Association, forcing councils like Bolton to rely increasingly on council tax, which now constitutes 55 per cent of core funding. Tom Reynolds of Manchester Evening News detailed how inflation-hit energy costs for street lighting and adult care have surged 12 per cent year-on-year.
“Bolton's adult social care budget alone consumes 52 per cent of net expenditure, leaving little room for manoeuvre,” Reynolds quoted council finance officer Mark Henshaw as saying.
The proposal aligns with national trends, where 95 per cent of English councils plan similar rises. As Emma Carter of BBC North West noted in her coverage, Bolton's 4.99 per cent precept includes a 2 per cent ringfenced increase for social care, mandated by government guidelines. This comes against a backdrop of rising demand: 1,200 more children in care since 2020 and a 15 per cent jump in homelessness applications.
When and where is the Bolton Council tax meeting?
The pivotal meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Bolton Town Hall's Council Chamber, as confirmed across multiple outlets. David Patel of Greater Manchester Live reported that public attendance is encouraged, with hybrid options via live stream on the council's YouTube channel. Doors open at 5:30 PM for residents to voice concerns.
“This is a democratic process; we want resident input before the vote,” said Council Leader Nick Williams, according to Jenkins of the Bolton News.
The agenda, published on the council website, allocates 45 minutes for public questions, followed by cabinet debate and a full council vote. Advance registration for speaking slots closed on February 20, but observation remains open.
Logistically, the Town Hall at Victoria Square offers accessible parking and step-free access, with stewards managing capacity limits post-COVID protocols. Carter of BBC North West highlighted potential protests, referencing similar unrest in neighbouring Bury last year.
Why does Bolton need a council tax rise in 2026?
Sustainability of core services underpins the urgency, with Bolton's reserves projected to deplete to £4 million by 2027 without intervention. Reynolds of Manchester Evening News attributed this to a £40 million cumulative cut in Revenue Support Grant since 2013.
“Central funding now covers just 17 per cent of costs, up from 75 per cent in 2010; council tax must bridge the void,” finance chief Henshaw explained.
Social care dominates, accounting for £120 million annually, driven by an ageing population Bolton's over-65s rose 18 per cent to 28,000 since 2015. Patel of Greater Manchester Live cited Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove's recent admission of a £4 billion national social care shortfall. Locally, pothole repairs cost £3.2 million extra due to severe weather, while bin collections faced strikes costing £500,000 in overtime.
Labour counters with 85p weekly rise per Band D household £44.58 yearly versus £1,200 saved via efficiencies.
Who are the key figures in the Bolton tax rise debate?
Councillor Linda Barlow, Labour Cabinet Member for Resources, leads the proposal, with 15 years' council experience. Barlow's portfolio oversees £300 million budgets.
Council Leader Nick Williams, Labour since 2021, champions the plan, pledging no frontline cuts. Opposition falls to Councillor Paul Claussen, Conservative Finance spokesperson, advocating zero rise via procurement reforms.
Mark Henshaw, Director of Finance, provides technical backing, warning of legal risks sans rise.
“Statutory duties on education and welfare override discretionary spending,” per Patel.
Cross-party scrutiny involves Greens' Councillor Michael Luongo, pushing green levies alternatives, and Lib Dems' Sue Higginson.
Band D households average in Bolton face £44.58 more yearly from April 2026, equating to 86p weekly. Jenkins calculated lower bands pay less: Band A £29.72, while Band H £133.32. Precept breakdown: 2 per cent social care (£20.68), 2.99 general (£23.90).
Vulnerable groups receive council tax reduction schemes, shielding 25,000 low-income households.
“Pensioners' support rises proportionally; no 'triple lock' breach,” Barlow assured Carter.
Businesses face parallel business rates hikes, impacting 4,500 premises.
Conversely, care worker Amit Patel supported: “Better granny care justifies it.”
Long-term, funds target 500 new affordable homes and town centre regen, per Williams.
How does Bolton's rise compare nationally?
Bolton mirrors 92 per cent of councils capping at 4.99 per cent, per LGA data cited by Patel. Neighbours: Manchester 4.99, Bury 4.75, Wigan 4.99. London boroughs like Westminster hit 7.74 via adult precept.
Carter noted rural Devon councils exceed via parish precepts, up 10 per cent. Scotland caps 4.8 per cent; Wales freezes for pensioners. Nationally, council tax funds £37 billion yearly, up 60 per cent real terms since 2000 despite cuts.
“Fairer funding review overdue; devolve more business rates,” Claussen urged Jenkins.
What alternatives were considered before the rise?
Efficiency audits yielded £8 million savings: shared services with Wigan save £1.2 million; LED lighting cuts £400,000.
Henshaw to Reynolds: “We've outsourced grounds maintenance, digitised planning—non-recurring now.”
Asset sales: former leisure centre fetches £2.8 million. Workforce: voluntary redundancies trimmed 120 posts, no compulsories. Income generation: car parking fees up 5 per cent, markets revitalised.
Luongo of Greens proposed: “Tourism levy on hotels, plastic bag charge—generate £1 million without tax burden.”
Rejected for admin costs.
Claussen pushed zero-based budgeting: “Scrutinise every pound anew.”
Public consultation ran December 2025-January 2026, drawing 1,200 responses 68 per cent opposed.
“Voices heard; opposition noted but unaffordable,” Barlow responded via Patel.
Meeting deputations: five slots, two minutes each. Petitions need 1,500 signatures for debate. Post-vote call-in by opposition possible within 10 days.
McBride of Taxpayers Alliance: “Lobby your ward councillor now; numbers sway.” Contact via bolton.gov.uk.
What happens if the tax rise is approved?
Implementation April 1, 2026, via billing inserts. Collection rate target 96 per cent; hardship funds £250,000. Monitoring quarterly by overview committee.
Williams to Carter: “Success measured by services sustained, not tax minimised.”
Legal challenge unlikely, as within DLUHC limits. Failure risks special measures, government commissioners.
Greens decry lack of wealth tax: “Tax second homes, not bins.” Lib Dems want phased rise.
DLUHC's 2026 settlement offers £69 billion total, £600 million extra social care.
Yet Gove admitted: “Councils need rebanding; average home now worth triple 1991 values.”
No extra Bolton grant; safety net for bankruptcies only.
What is the history of council tax rises in Bolton?
Annual 1.99-4.99 per cent since 2019. Cumulative 25 per cent since 2010, outpacing inflation. Pre-1993 poll tax riots scarred memory. Reynolds charted: 2025 froze general, hiked care 2 per cent.
Business rates multiplier frozen at 49.9p, but multiplier rises filter through.
Patel quoted chamber head Raj Singh: “£200,000 hit for members; hampers hiring.”
Retail relief extended 100 per cent for small firms.
What support exists for struggling households?
Council Tax Support: up to 100 per cent for 14,000 claimants. Discretionary Reduction Fund: £100,000. Debt advice via Citizens Advice Bolton.
Barlow: “No evictions for non-payment; tailored plans.”
Combined Authority precept adds £38 yearly; total GM hike 7 per cent. Bee Network transport demands funding.
Carter warned: “Domino bankruptcies if one falls.”