Lowest tax rate delivered once again in 2025/26 budget plans

Lowest tax rate delivered once again in 2025/26 budget plans

Low tax rates, no cuts to frontline services and the extension of a flagship apprentice scheme are among the highlights of Wigan Council’s financial plans.

The 2025/26 budget, approved on Wednesday by the full council, will see borough residents paying the lowest tax rate across Greater Manchester.

Funding for pothole repairs, affordable housing schemes and leisure services, and community projects were also confirmed.

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, told the council chamber he was “proud to be delivering another balanced budget that will support our communities.”

He said: “Despite the challenging circumstances we have had to face over the last 14 years, we continue to be one of the top performing councils.

“I’m confident that 2025/26 will be another successful year for the borough and this balanced, no-cuts budget will be a blueprint for continued growth for our communities in line with our Progress With Unity approach.”

The budget includes a 2.99 per cent rise in general council tax and a further two per cent due to the nationally recommended adult social care precept.

The Future Apprentices for Business (FAB) programme will be extended for another 12 months, the Leader announced.

Launched in 2023, it sees the council provide grant funding for local businesses to help launch the careers of residents aged 16 to 24, with more than 80 job opportunities created to date.

It brings the total investment in recent years for apprenticeship schemes – both at the town hall and within the wider business community – to more than £2m.

The free weekend parking scheme for council-owned sites in Wigan and Leigh town centres has also been extended for another 12 months.

And the council will be match-funding a £600k pot received via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, bringing investment in highways repairs to more than £1m.

The Leader also highlighted the significant investment in public and private regeneration projects across the borough, including Haigh Woodland Park, The Galleries, funding for Leigh and Ashton town centre, plus development of the Cotton Works and the Civic Centre.

Further investment in affordable housing schemes, supported living and extra care facilities was also announced, along with additional ongoing investment to address increasing demand in the social care sector.

Wigan Council’s council tax rates have consistently been the lowest in Greater Manchester and are expected to again be the lowest of all metropolitan authorities in the country.

Progress With Unity is Wigan Council’s long-term plan to create a fairer and more prosperous borough.

Launched last year, it focuses on two key missions that the council and its partners are committed to delivering: 

• Create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses
• Make all our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.