Our budget for 2026-27 sets out how we plan to invest in services, strengthen communities and respond to the pressures we know are being felt in our communities.
It reflects the benefit of an improved national funding arrangement for Liverpool, and it allows us to allocate more resources where residents need it most.
There is a clear emphasis on Liverpool's environment and public spaces. Plans include a substantial programme to improve the cleanliness of our streets and parks, create new jobs and apprenticeships, renew every play park in the city, and expand community-facing teams who help keep neighbourhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.
There is expanded funding for youth work, support for SEND-focused community programmes, and the creation of a new Community Renewal Fund designed to help councillors and neighbourhood groups address issues directly on the ground. The budget also supports more cultural activity in local areas, the city's anti-racism work, and a major expansion of leisure access, with free gym and leisure centre memberships for all under-18s.
There's significant additional investment planned for Adults' and Children's Social Care and for homelessness services, recognising the rising demand in these areas.
At the same time, the Council continues to manage its financial responsibilities carefully. We have identified achievable efficiencies over the next three years, supported by wider transformation and efficiency work, as well as applying additional focus to revenue collection and debt recovery. Council tax arrears are down by more than £22m so far this year and the amount of debt owed to the council has also reduced by £37.3m.
This is the most positive budget in 15 years, allowing us to invest in our communities, our people, and our services.
Councillor Liam Robinson Leader of Liverpool City Council
Our budget for 2026-27 sets out how we plan to invest in services, strengthen communities and respond to the pressures we know are being felt in our communities.
It reflects the benefit of an improved national funding arrangement for Liverpool, and it allows us to allocate more resources where residents need it most.
There is a clear emphasis on Liverpool's environment and public spaces. Plans include a substantial programme to improve the cleanliness of our streets and parks, create new jobs and apprenticeships, renew every play park in the city, and expand community-facing teams who help keep neighbourhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.
There is expanded funding for youth work, support for SEND-focused community programmes, and the creation of a new Community Renewal Fund designed to help councillors and neighbourhood groups address issues directly on the ground. The budget also supports more cultural activity in local areas, the city's anti-racism work, and a major expansion of leisure access, with free gym and leisure centre memberships for all under-18s.
There's significant additional investment planned for Adults' and Children's Social Care and for homelessness services, recognising the rising demand in these areas.
At the same time, the Council continues to manage its financial responsibilities carefully. We have identified achievable efficiencies over the next three years, supported by wider transformation and efficiency work, as well as applying additional focus to revenue collection and debt recovery. Council tax arrears are down by more than £22m so far this year and the amount of debt owed to the council has also reduced by £37.3m.
This is the most positive budget in 15 years, allowing us to invest in our communities, our people, and our services.
Councillor Liam Robinson
Leader of Liverpool City Council