Council tax in Bradford could increase by almost 5% in April, a year after residents faced one of the steepest rises in recent memory.
Councillors are set to review proposals for a Bradford Council tax rise 2026 of 4.99% — the highest increase possible without triggering a public referendum.
If approved, the proposed rise would apply to the 2026–27 financial year and include a 2.99% general increase alongside a 2% social care precept. Residents may also see a 6% increase in fees for a range of council services, from leisure centre charges to licensing applications.
The move follows last year’s near-10% tax rise, introduced after Bradford Council received “exceptional financial support” from central government.
The package allowed the authority to stabilise its finances through borrowing and the sale of council-owned assets. Despite these measures, the council is still required to make savings exceeding £60m in the next financial year.
Council leader Susan Hinchliffe confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the 4.99% rise was expected. Reflecting on last year’s increase, she said: “I said it was a one-off and it will be a one-off. We won’t be doing that again, that was a commitment I gave last year and we’re sticking to that.”
Hinchliffe added that the latest financial reports showed the council was “making good progress” in recovering from its recent fiscal challenges.
According to finance papers due to be presented to the council’s executive next week, the authority’s half-year budget for 2025–26 showed a projected underspend of £10.2m. However, the documents confirmed borrowing would be needed for financial stability and avoid something like a section 114 notice.
The report outlined plans for £15.8m in savings next year through what the council described as “improved financial management and performance”.
£20m in “efficiency improvements” is expected within the Children and Families Trust, focusing on “better practice, less reliance on agency staff and greater consistency”.
Hinchliffe said that the underspend, combined with the government’s upcoming funding settlement for local authorities, would mean Bradford might not need to borrow as much as originally forecast. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that borrowing costs would continue to weigh heavily on future budgets.
“There are no major cuts that people will recognise in their communities,” Hinchliffe said, addressing the £60m in planned savings. “It is more about making sure the council is more efficient and productive.”
She added that the council remained committed to a long-term recovery plan. “We have a seven-year plan to secure Bradford Council’s financial future, and this latest report shows that plan is working. There’s still a lot to do, but the direction of travel is positive and steady.”
The executive committee will consider the proposed 4.99% increase at its meeting on Tuesday 4 November. If approved, the proposals will be subject to a public consultation, allowing residents and local organisations to provide feedback before the plans are finalised.
