Bradford Council reports strong progress on financial recovery

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 12:52

Bradford Council’s Executive is being updated on improved financial stability, following a major increase in government funding and progress on long-term recovery plans.

Bradford Council’s Executive is being updated on positive progress being made in addressing the authority’s financial challenges.

A report on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy outlines the work carried out to stabilise finances, alongside the impact of the provisional local government financial settlement for the period 2026/27 to 2028/29, announced in December 2025.

The settlement has seen Bradford’s core spending power increase by 47 per cent between 2024/25 and 2028/29 — the largest increase among metropolitan district councils.

As a result, the capitalisation direction required by the council will be reduced from £570 million to £395 million, shortening the recovery period by two years. The council says this will save taxpayers an estimated £325 million in borrowing costs over a 20-year period and allow it to rebuild previously depleted reserves.

While further work is still required to transform services, the council says the improved position means less money will be spent servicing debt and more can be directed towards frontline services in future years.

Councillors will also receive feedback from public engagement and consultation on budget proposals. A total of 898 comments were submitted, with more than half of respondents agreeing with each proposal, except those relating to fees and charges.

Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said the authority has made good progress despite difficult decisions, adding that while the settlement helps achieve financial stability earlier than planned, it does not resolve years of underfunding overnight.

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