Rochdale Borough Council has formally adopted its 2026 budget, outlining spending priorities across adult social care, children’s services, housing and neighbourhood provision.
Members were told that increasing demand in social care remains one of the most significant pressures on the council’s finances. Higher placement costs, growth in special educational needs support and inflation-linked increases in provider fees continue to affect long-term projections. Despite those challenges, the authority confirmed that the budget for the coming year is balanced in line with statutory requirements.
Council leaders said maintaining frontline services remains the central objective of the financial plan. Funding has been allocated to manage ongoing pressures in adult and children’s services, with a growth reserve retained to address emerging risks during the year.
Alongside day-to-day revenue spending, the council confirmed its capital investment programme will continue into 2026. Planned investment includes regeneration projects, asset maintenance and infrastructure improvements designed to support economic activity across the borough. Borrowing levels will be monitored to limit long-term revenue impacts.
Members also considered the council’s reserves position, noting the importance of maintaining adequate balances in the face of uncertainty around government funding settlements and business rates income. The chief finance officer’s report confirmed that assumptions underpinning the budget were judged to be robust at the time of approval.
National funding reform remains a backdrop to the borough’s financial planning. While current government grant allocations have been confirmed for the year ahead, longer-term funding beyond 2026 is still subject to future spending reviews. Councillors acknowledged that this uncertainty presents ongoing challenges for medium-term planning.
The approved budget will take effect at the start of the new financial year, guiding expenditure across council services throughout 2026. Leaders described the plan as a measured response to financial pressures while aiming to protect essential services for residents across Rochdale.
