Lancashire borough backs maximum council tax hike as leisure centres and future of towns debated

The council is also launching a Legacy Fund, offering cash to every town and parish ahead of local government reorganisation expected in 2028.

Council tax and other budget plans were the focus of a full council meeting this week (Monday), along with leisure centre and town investments.

Lib-Dem David Whipp, leader of Pendle Council, said: “At the heart of this budget is a commitment to maintain front-line services and value for money for residents. These plans put the council in a sound financial footing. They will see investment in all communities and preparations for local government reorganisation.

“Funding from the government continues to be restrained while public demand for council services increases. And local government reorganisation is distracting us from the real business of delivering essential services.

“But I’m pleased the shared Lib-Dem and Independent administration is getting key policies in place despite the challenges. And there has been good working with all political parties despite some differences.”

On council-owned leisure centres including in Colne, Barnoldswick and Nelson run by Pendle Leisure Trust, he said: “A significant success has been our administration’s investment in sports and leisure centres. A few years ago we were told at least one swimming pool had to close or we had to have cold water swimming.

“So I’m proud we have invested to clear a backlog of repairs and to make leisure centres more energy-sustainable, to give them the best start in whatever new council we get lumbered with.”

Independent Coun Asjad Mahmood supported the budget plans and highlighted topics including investment in town centres, including Nelson and Pendle Rise shopping centre’s demolition. and new cemeteries.

He added: “The government’s Fair Funding review has not delivered what we hoped for and does not reflect Pendle’s needs. But our plans, the Legacy Fund, extra money for disabled people’s facilities at home and extra funds for apprenticeships show our commitment to the borough in many ways.”

But opposition Conservatives said ruling Lib-Dems and Independents were dipping into cash reserves for the budget rather than making other decisions.

Ash Sutcliffe, Conservative group leader, said: “They have abandoned all efforts to put the council on its best footing for local government reform, with our heads held high and being able to deliver quality services in future. Instead, we will look like the poor relations.

“Bereft of ideas, the current administration has come up with the Legacy Fund. This sounds nice but we really hope this does not just mean a series of photo opportunities with Coun Whipp and Coun Mahmood.

“Pendle needs energy, pride, agility and action. We Conservatives are bursting with ideas to get better results from services and improved lives for residents. He want to work around the Nelson Town Deal, the Colne Levelling-Up work and invest on work in the Colne, Brierfield and Earby master-plans. Please do not let these master-plans gather dust. They are important and were expensive to produce.”

Coun Sutcliffe also said improvements with Pendle Leisure Trust’s financial circumstance were partly thanks to work led by the council’s previous Conservative leadership in the past.

He also put forward proposals including more dog dirt and litter enforcement work, recycling and green space improvements, heritage work and extra planning advice for residents.

Conservative David Cockburn-Price claimed council finances were being propped-up by interest on money in bank accounts and a reduced contribution to Lancashire pension pot – rather than new ideas.