Free town centre parking could return as part of extra £2m investment
Nearly £2 million of additional investment proposals – including the return of free parking in town centres - have been backed by senior councillors.
The extra spend as part of the 2026/27 budget was approved at a meeting of cabinet this week.
It comes after more than 4,000 people responded to a budget consultation asking borough residents what their priorities were for budget spend.
The final budget will be presented to full council for approval on February 23.
The plans include 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 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.
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.
“These extra investments are a reflection of that and represent a further demonstration of our commitment to improve public services wherever we can.
“I hope all councillors will support this budget when we meet later in the month.”
The cabinet had already agreed around £18 million of investments to support the most vulnerable people in the borough.
It includes 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.
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 £67.6 million by the end of 2031.