From budget plans and asset sales to housing and leisure developments, a series of major decisions taken by Kirklees Council this month are set to affect residents across the borough.
In recent weeks, the council’s Labour administration has outlined its draft budget for the next financial year, alongside progressing long-term regeneration and infrastructure plans. To balance its books, the authority must make savings of £6.9 million, which it says will be achieved through reduced administrative costs and improved productivity.
Previously approved money-saving and cash-raising measures are also continuing, including further asset disposals aimed at raising at least £6 million in 2025/26 and £4 million in 2026/27. Annual rent and service charge increases for council tenants have also been agreed.
Meanwhile, proposals for a new leisure centre serving North Kirklees have moved forward, though not without political debate.
Here are five of the most significant developments this month.
- Draft Budget Approved
Cabinet has approved Labour’s draft budget, launching a public consultation that will run until 7 January.
The proposals include a 4.99 per cent Council Tax rise from April 2026, with two per cent earmarked for adult social care. For a Band D property, this would mean an extra £1.88 per week.
The budget includes the loss of 55 full-time equivalent roles, though 28 of these posts are currently vacant. Additional funding has been allocated to meet growing demand, including £15.2 million for adult social care and £5.9 million for children’s services. Extra resources are also set aside to tackle fly-tipping and enforce planning decisions.
A proposed five-year Capital Programme includes £35 million for a new sports centre in Dewsbury, funding for Huddersfield’s Our Cultural Heart project, £18 million for Dewsbury regeneration, and £13 million for schemes in other towns, including Batley, Marsden and Holmfirth.
- Dewsbury Sports Centre Debate Continues
Plans for a new leisure centre serving Dewsbury and North Kirklees were first approved in principle in October, but returned to the spotlight this month as part of the draft budget.
An initial £100,000 has been allocated in 2025/26 for a feasibility study to assess location, design and facilities. Further funding is not proposed until 2028/29 (£5m), rising to £6m in 2029/30 and £24m between 2030/31 and 2031/32.
Opposition group Community Alliance has criticised the timeline, arguing construction would not begin before 2028 and branding the announcement “electoral spin”. Labour councillors have rejected that claim, with Cllr Eric Firth (Labour, Dewsbury East) insisting there are “no smoke and mirrors” and urging cross-party support.
- Rent Uplift Agreed
From April 2026, council tenants will see rents increase by 4.8 per cent, in line with national guidelines — an average rise of £4.19 per week. Extra Care services will also rise by 4.8 per cent, while service charge increases will range from 1p to 87p per week.
Tenants could also face an additional £2 weekly increase if national rent convergence rules change.
Despite the rises, Kirklees says it will remain among the lowest-rent areas in West Yorkshire. Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing Cllr Moses Crook said the increases were necessary to maintain safe, secure and high-quality homes while supporting tenants through ongoing financial pressures.
- More Council Assets Set for Disposal
Cabinet has approved the potential disposal of 12 further assets to help meet savings targets.
Sites earmarked include Batley Baths, which closed in 2023, along with land and buildings across Huddersfield, Ravensthorpe, Cleckheaton, Holmfirth and Liversedge. The disposals are expected to raise £6 million this year and £4 million next year.
Some sites may still be subject to community asset transfer discussions before any sale proceeds.
- Controversial Housing Plan Rejected
On 4 December, Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee rejected plans for up to 181 homes at Heybeck Lane, part of the wider Chidswell and Heybeck allocation for around 1,500 homes.
The site has a complex planning history, with outline permission granted in October 2024 before being overturned following a judicial review brought by the Chidswell Action Group.
Concerns raised included the impact on ancient woodland, loss of green space and agricultural land, and insufficient biodiversity net gain. Despite officers recommending approval, councillors voted to refuse the application by five votes to two.
