Social Value Ideas for Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Budget passed with 4.99% rise

Council approved the 2025/26 budget and medium-term financial strategy, based on a large savings programme and a council tax rise, with reserves intended to be rebuilt over the plan period. This sets …

“"a portfolio of savings and cost reductions worth almost 42 million" ... "the council tax should increase by 4.99%" ... "a net budget of 367 million p…”

Non-pay spend now under panel control

The council has introduced value-for-money panels that review all non-pay spend over £1,000 and can refuse non-essential expenditure. This is a clear procurement governance change and should tighten b…

“"they look at all non-pay spend over £1,000 and they have made some really good decisions where they've determined that spend is not essential and and…”

High needs deficit continues to widen

The dedicated schools grant high-needs block remains under severe pressure, with a forecast in-year overspend of £15.1 million and a cumulative deficit expected to reach £59.6 million by year-end if p…

“"we're seeing or forecasting an overspend of 15.1 million" and "that will increase to 59.6 million at the end of the year"”

Parking subsidy restored

The council reinstated two hours of free parking and set aside £1.5 million to subsidise parking charges across the borough. The budget also includes a wider parking review, which may lead to changes …

“"nearly 1.5 million pounds is being invested to bring back subsidized car parking charges across the burough, meaning that nobody will pay for the fir…”