No cuts or job losses – but council tax will rise in Wigan as budget is approved

There will be no cuts to services or job losses at Wigan Town Hall – but residents will face a 2.99 pc council tax hike as the budget is approved.

The local authority will invest more money in social housing, community group grants and children services while creating an additional 100 apprenticeships.

However, a general council tax increase of 1.99 pc will come into effect in April alongside a 1 pc increase in the adult social care precept which is ringfenced.

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This is in addition to the council tax increases set by Greater Manchester.

Council leader David Molyneux said the government expects local authorities to raise council tax – but he was pleased to be presenting a balanced budget.

Speaking at a full council meeting on Wednesday (March 2), he said: "I'm so proud of the achievements that we have made and despite all the pressure that we continue to have, we'll be making a number of announcements tonight which will certainly show the commitment of this council to its people."

The leader spoke of 'major investment' in social housing with 770 new homes.

He also announced additional funding for local volunteer groups through the Community Recovery Fund which was set up during the current financial year.

The Our Town programme which aims to create a 'cleaner, greener borough' will be extended to the 12 districts which have not benefited from it so far.

And a further 100 apprenticeships and graduate jobs will be created within the council over the next two years, adding to the 100 announced 12 months ago.

Finance lead Nazia Rehman also spoke of additional investment in social care to the tune of £5m over two years and