Wyre's Labour opposition in Budget call to improve housing in deprived areas

Labour leader, Cllr Rob Fail, made the call as part of the group’s 'Home & Health' amendment to Wyre Council's proposed Budget for 2026/7.

At the Budget meeting last week, Cllr Fail proposed that £5m of the Budget Equalisation earmarked reserve be reallocated for a ‘Home & Health’ ringfenced reserve.

He said that residents in deprived wards in Fleetwood and Cleveleys could benefit if the council used some of its £38 million reserves to buy up more empty homes in the borough, of which there were almost 1,000.

He also called for funds to be used to revamp some of Wyre’s more run-down parks.

However, the amendment was rejected by 29 votes to 13, with the Conservatives and Reform voting against it., while Labour were joined in the vote by an independent.

Cllr Fail said: “Funding uncertainty may have been a cause for not using reserves and balances to invest in Wyre in the past, but that’s no longer the case.

“With a three-year settlement, Wyre now has certainty in its funding, and with Unitary Authorities looming, Wyre Council must not let slip the opportunity to invest in Wyre’s residents and address some of the known deprivation issues.

“All five of Fleetwood’s Wards and Jubilee Ward in Cleveleys are in the worst 10% of the country’s wards for health deprivation.

“Wyre Council has £38 million in reserves and balances. It has the ability to invest in better housing for its residents and the ability to improve life chances.

“Better housing means less poverty, and a positive impact on health, education, and employment. With 918 empty homes in Wyre, it is in the hands of Wyre Council to buy up some of these homes, providing more housing for Wyre’s young families, and at the same time helping reduce the demand for green field new housing. “

Wyre Council leader, Cllr Michael Vincent described its 2026/27 budget as ’forward-looking’ as the council agreed to continued investment in core services, community facilities, environmental improvements and long-term regeneration across the borough.

Council tax payers in Wyre are being asked to pay a relatively modest 2.99 percent increase in their bills as the council confirmed,

Cllr Vincent said: “I’m pleased that, even with the financial pressures facing councils across the country, we have been able to set a balanced budget that protects essential services while investing over £8 million in new projects for our communities.

“This investment supports our wider ambition for a borough where people feel safe and supported, where businesses have the opportunity to thrive, and where our environment and neighbourhoods are well cared for. This budget helps us continue that journey.”

A broad programme of investment will be delivered over the next financial year alongside essential frontline services. Some of the key commitments included:

• £1,969,000 to enhance Wyre’s leisure centres following the award of the new operating contract to Parkwood Leisure.

• £1,584,000 for the Cottam Hall Masterplan, improving pitches, parking, landscaping and play areas for residents.

• £1,550,000 to modernise the Waterfront Bar at Marine Hall, creating improved facilities and new income opportunities.

• £534,000 for an education and visitor centre at Wyre Estuary Country Park, delivered alongside the Our Future Coast programme.

• £390,000 to replace critical drainage and pumping assets that support flood prevention and maintain council operations.

• £250,000 for economic development initiatives including business support and continued high-street improvements.

• £85,000 to continue funding the Positive Futures programme following the end of UK Shared Prosperity funding.

• £78,400 to install digital display screens across the borough, strengthening communications and promotion of services and events.

• £66,000 to explore redevelopment options for the Jubilee Gardens Bowling Club Pavilion.