10,000s in Salford to be hit with extra charge of at least £65, with some paying out another £97

Salford residents are set to pay more in council tax as part of the town hall’s latest budget plans. The council is under major pressure to fund growing demand for social care, health and children’s services, where the majority of its £392m budget for 2025/26 will be spent.

Reports published in August revealed Salford council had a £6.8m black hole to plug, partly due to rising costs funding temporary accommodation for people facing homelessness.

To ease the pressure, bosses have proposed a 5 per cent council tax hike, including a 2pc adult social care precept increase. That would mean people living in band A properties paying an extra £65 a year - or £1.25 a week.

Band A and B properties make up the majority of homes across the city. More than 70,000 band D properties in Salford are facing a council tax increase of £97 a year under the proposals.

The council’s plans include pumping an extra £2m into school transport for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as a £572,000 increase in funding to support short breaks for SEND families.

Extra cash is also set to go to adult social care services to provide care packages and support adult social care workers in being paid a Foundation Living Wage.

The council’s budget has been propped up by cash injections from the government, with £9.7m in Recovery Grant funds as well as £6.5m to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

Salford mayor Paul Dennett said the budget proposals will help the council continue supporting residents who are struggling in the city.

“This budget’s focus on children’s services, adults and health demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of Salford residents, one of the most important functions of