Council tax in Leeds City Council will rise by 4.99 per cent after councillors approved the authority’s budget for 2026/27 following a lengthy five-hour debate.
The increase includes a two per cent precept dedicated to adult social care. Council leaders said the rise would help protect frontline services while delivering additional investment across the city.
During discussions at Leeds Civic Hall, members were told the council must deliver £46.6m in savings next year. Despite the financial pressures, an additional £71.1m in funding has been identified, including £54.6m to support care services for residents of all ages.
Labour council leader James Lewis said the authority’s financial position had improved compared with previous years.
“These are fully funded frontline interventions which would not have been possible under Conservative austerity,” he said, adding that the funding would help meet rising demand and cost pressures.
Investment in tackling potholes and fly-tipping forms part of the agreed plans.
Opposition groups tabled 64 amendments, all of which were defeated by Labour’s majority.
The Liberal Democrats called for an end to what they described as a “bunker mentality” at the authority, proposing £2.4m to improve accessibility in public parks. Group leader Stewart Golton argued disabled residents often face barriers simply reaching green spaces.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Alan Lamb criticised parking charges in town centres and beauty spots, describing them as a political choice that had harmed local businesses.
The authority has previously announced job losses, asset sales and parking charges as it works to close a funding gap of more than £100m in the current financial year.
