Council budget has support for those most in need
Dudley Council has set aside more than £1million to help borough residents who are facing the most extreme financial difficulties.
The support was agreed last night as part of the 2025/26 budget, with more than £42million of savings identified to “safeguard council reserves”.
The £1million will help residents who are struggling to pay council tax and housing rents due to severe financial hardship.
It will be added into the existing Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme, which supports residents who are facing extreme financial difficulties with their Council Tax payments.
A further £200,000 will be put into the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme for people who are in receipt of either Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit Rent Element with additional help with their rent payments.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“Local authorities across the country are facing financial strain and we have had to tighten the reins on our finances so that we can safeguard our council reserves.
“Despite finding significant savings, we will always work to support the residents who are most in need, and that’s why we are protecting key services and facilities such as Sycamore, libraries and leisure centres.
“This £1million has been identified in the budget to help those most in need with meeting their council tax and rent.”