Burnley Council approves 2026/27 budget with investment in cleaner streets and community support
Burnley Council has approved its budget for 2026/27, confirming plans which it says will protect essential services while investing in priorities for residents across the borough.
The budget, agreed at a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday, includes new investment to improve street cleanliness. Measures include new streetscene initiatives and an enforcement-led cleansing crew that will combine waste enforcement with immediate removal of rubbish to tackle fly-tipping more quickly.
The council will also expand its litter-picking service from two to five operatives in a bid to keep streets cleaner and reduce litter hotspots.
Following a successful pilot scheme, temporary waste officer and dog enforcement officer posts introduced last year will now become permanent to strengthen action against fly-tipping, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour.
The Labour Group, not currently in control of the council, will be please that three of its suggestions were included in the final budget.
These were: return of free swimming for children; support for those in food crisis in Padiham; empty homes programme to be boosted.
At Towneley Hall, a new business development officer role will be created to support exhibitions and events, develop sponsorship opportunities and help increase visitor numbers after the venue’s restoration.
Councillors also agreed a 1.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, which the authority says is below the Government’s maximum and lower than the current rate of inflation.
Support measures for residents were also approved. Funding to bring long-term empty homes back into use will increase from £1.3m. to £1.8m., while £37,500 will be provided to fund swimming lessons during school holidays for children eligible for free school meals.
In Padiham, the council will also explore plans for a community grocery and essential products service, backed by £50,000 subject to an acceptable operational model being developed.
Coun. Margaret Lishman, deputy leader and executive member for resources and performance management, said: “We have taken a careful and balanced approach to setting this year’s budget.
“I’m pleased it has now been agreed by Full Council. It protects essential services, invests in key priorities and provides practical support for residents while keeping the council tax increase to 1.99%.”