The Council and democracy Our budget 2026/27

Balanced budget

We’ve been able to set a three-year budget for the first time in a decade, so we can plan and invest longer-term and with more certainty. 

But we’re not complacent. Increasing numbers of residents need care and support.  This creates demand especially on Children’s Services and Adults budgets. Despite the challenging backdrop, we remain determined to deliver the agreed priorities for Manchester and its residents.  

We are now in a better position to manage those demands and costs, and to improve life for residents.  

Our balanced budget stays true to our approach to public services – prioritising early help and prevention with new funds for work that will prevent pressures on our future budgets. We balance investing to grow with providing high quality services and protecting the most vulnerable – made possible by careful long term financial planning that’s involved:  

  • Tough decisions, taken early 
  • Making difficult decisions on costs and doing things differently 
  • Delivering planned savings 
  • Investing in managing demand and prevention 
  • Wise use of reserves. 

We’re prioritising residents’ concerns, including protecting the most vulnerable, fixing roads and paths, smartening our neighbourhoods, more play and activities for young people, sorting out fly tipping and keeping our parks and green spaces lovely.  

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