Budget Special: Warrington's Problems Explained
The Council is running out of money. It needs a £192 million loan from the Government over the next two years with more likely after that, which means big costs for years to come.
You'll find our Local Priorities Survey at the bottom of this page.
What went wrong?
The council has been spending more than it gets
Savings have run out
There is no back up money left
What we have learned about the Council’s finances
- Six years of accounts are still unfinished
- Problems were left and ignored for too long
- Savings targets were missed repeatedly
- Councillors were given wrong or unclear information
- The Council now has very large debts
- Selling investments today could lose £250 million
What we have learned about how the Council was run
- Poor checks on spending and investments
- Too much borrowing and risk taking
- Not enough openness
What this means
- Government Envoys are now overseeing the Council
- An emergency loan has already been taken
- Council Tax is rising
- Services are being cut
- Debt repayments could last 20 years
The Liberal Democrat plan for recovery
Group Leader Cllr Mark Browne and Deputy Leader Cllr Helen Speed say: We want Warrington to recover and move forward with confidence. That means being honest about the risks and fixing problems early. We will work with all parties - but only if decisions are open, responsible, and focused on results.
We believe we must:
- Work across parties in an open way
- Strengthen financial controls
- Track spending and savings every month
- Set realistic savings plans
- Share clear updates with all Councillors
- Bring in independent financial experts
- Live within our means
What we want for residents:
- Honesty about finances
- Simple, regular updates
- Focus on what matters most
- Cut waste before services
- Protect key local services
What can you do?
We work for you, and we need your views. Please complete our quick survey below.
Get involved and help us shape Warrington's future - join the Lib Dems
Give some of your time to help spread our message; there are lots of tasks, such as delivering leaflets, where a little help goes a long way
Contact us directly using this form, by emailing hello@warringtonlibdems.org.uk or by call or text:
Mark Browne 07711 886644 Helen Speed 07788 437524 Sharon Harris 07894 082442
If you want to support us but don't have time for any of the above, donations are always welcome
Local Priorities Survey
We’d like to understand which local issues matter most to you. This survey takes less than 1 minute and will help inform local decision-making. Please tell us which of the issues listed are most important to you, and in what order. If you pick 'something else' please tell us what by emailing hello@warringtonlibdems.org.uk.