Wokingham Borough Council’s finances will be even more stretched next year, with the Government cutting the Core Grant funding by £1 million.
This real-terms reduction in the Government’s grant to run local services was announced earlier this week.
Wokingham Borough Council said it will scrutinise the details before setting its budget for 2025/26 in February.
Most of the council’s spending goes towards looking after the most vulnerable, including support for people of all ages with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health issues and other care needs, as well as special educational needs.
This accounts for more than 60% of its budget, and the needs of residents are increasing in these areas – as is the cost of providing the services required.
However, the Government hardly considers this in its calculations. The council said it is joining other voices calling for increased support for coucils that provide adult and children’s social care.
Alongside Government policy changes on National Insurance and the national minimum wage, this latest announcement will increase the £5.5 million funding shortfall for 2025/26 which was reported in October.
