Budget focus on homes, jobs and safe spaces
Councillors in Gateshead have approved the council's budget for the coming year which focuses on new homes, more jobs, continued investment in the local environment and improvements to community spaces.
At the full council meeting on Thursday 26 February 2026, a rolling programme of investment worth over £709m over the next five years was also approved to support ambitious plans for the future of Gateshead. Further investment in Gateshead Town Centre, support for children and young people with additional needs, better access to broadband and improved street lighting are all areas which will get extra cash in 2026/27. Ongoing investment in council vehicles to support the improved environmental work taking place across the borough and further pothole repairs were also given the green light.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said: "We not only want people to love where they live, but we hope people will want to stay in Gateshead. For this we need to offer the best possible start for our children and young people, providing additional support where needed, but we then need to have jobs, homes and safe community spaces we can all be proud of so our residents always want to call Gateshead home."
"Our budget supports this vision. We know that looking after our local environment, improving roads and ensuring safe spaces are all top priorities for our residents and this budget shows our commitment to delivering these for the people of Gateshead."
Alongside the investment programme full Council also agreed the budget for 2026/27, which includes savings, efficiencies and the use of £4m reserves. This, as well as a 2.99% increase in Council Tax and a 2% increase in the adult social care precept, which is in line with Government assumptions for the funding settlement, will help to protect services whilst resulting in a legally balanced budget.
Councillors also agreed a plan to exempt terminally ill Gateshead residents from council tax payments.
Councillors in Gateshead have approved the council's budget for the coming year which focuses on new homes, more jobs, continued investment in the local environment and improvements to community spaces.
At the full council meeting on Thursday 26 February 2026, a rolling programme of investment worth over £709m over the next five years was also approved to support ambitious plans for the future of Gateshead. Further investment in Gateshead Town Centre, support for children and young people with additional needs, better access to broadband and improved street lighting are all areas which will get extra cash in 2026/27. Ongoing investment in council vehicles to support the improved environmental work taking place across the borough and further pothole repairs were also given the green light.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said: "We not only want people to love where they live, but we hope people will want to stay in Gateshead. For this we need to offer the best possible start for our children and young people, providing additional support where needed, but we then need to have jobs, homes and safe community spaces we can all be proud of so our residents always want to call Gateshead home."
"Our budget supports this vision. We know that looking after our local environment, improving roads and ensuring safe spaces are all top priorities for our residents and this budget shows our commitment to delivering these for the people of Gateshead."
Alongside the investment programme full Council also agreed the budget for 2026/27, which includes savings, efficiencies and the use of £4m reserves. This, as well as a 2.99% increase in Council Tax and a 2% increase in the adult social care precept, which is in line with Government assumptions for the funding settlement, will help to protect services whilst resulting in a legally balanced budget.
Councillors also agreed a plan to exempt terminally ill Gateshead residents from council tax payments.
