Free parking to return as part of £20m investments package

The cash injections were part of the budget proposals for 2026/27 which were approved by full council last night.

The budget includes a £480,000 subsidy on two hours of free parking in town centres to boost trade, as well as £150,000 on improving safety around schools.

There will be a £2 million investment into the creation of two children’s homes which bosses say will save the council around £800,000 a year on expensive placements outside the borough. A further £2 million will be spent in a bid to attract more foster carers.

Around £1 million has been set aside to help vulnerable adults live independently at home following hospital stays, while a further £300,000 will be made available to voluntary sector organisations which support with adult social care.

There are also proposals for £100,000 to support events led by the Mayor of Dudley as the council looks to boost civic pride, while £268,000 is being earmarked for more street cleaning.

Finally, there is £900,000 being proposed to fund pop up tips in the north of the borough for the next three years.

It comes after more than 4,000 people responded to a budget consultation asking borough residents what their priorities were for budget spend.

Despite the spend, the authority has still managed to deliver a balanced budget for the coming year as well as bolstering the reserves.

There is currently £43.3 million in reserves, with the figure forecast to grow to £72.8 million by the end of 2031.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“Through the budget consultation, we have listened to what local people have told us are important to them.

“That has shaped this budget, and these extra investments are a reflection of that.

“They represent a further demonstration of our commitment to improve public services wherever we can.”