Council tax increase in Trafford looks set to hit 7.49 per cent

Trafford residents could see another above-cap council tax rise in 2026/27 after Trafford Council was given permission to increase bills by up to 7.49% to help balance its budget.

Trafford Town Hall

The increase is higher than the usual referendum level (the standard maximum councils can raise council tax without holding a local vote). In Trafford’s case, the government has again granted extra flexibility of 2.5 per cent above the usual limit.

This is the second year in a row Trafford has applied for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) – an arrangement that effectively allows the council to borrow money to keep day-to-day services running while it works to close its funding gap. A council report published earlier this year said finance officers had reduced an initial three-year budget gap from £50m to £10m, but that a recent Fair Funding Review meant the gap would then increase by £24m. The same report proposed applying for around £20.6m of EFS, described as a loan repayable to government over 20 years.

What it means for households will depend on final budget decisions – and on other parts of the bill set outside the council, such as mayoral policing and fire precepts, plus any parish charges. For context, Trafford’s 2025/26 Band D bill (excluding parishes) is £2,120.84; a 7.49 per cent rise on a similar overall figure would be roughly £159 extra over a year (around £3 a week), though actual bills for 2026/27 may differ.

The council says the additional headroom is needed because demand and costs are rising in key areas, including children’s and adult social care and homelessness support.

Council leader Tom Ross said: "This has been a really tough request for us to make but this increase is needed as it allows us to support increased spending where it is desperately needed – on vulnerable adults, children and homelessness.

"I know any council tax increases will be difficult for some people to manage and many of our residents will be seeing rising costs in other aspects of their lives so we want to do everything we can to support those who may be facing financial hardship.

"If the increase is agreed, we will look to support our residents, who are on low incomes, where we can through our council tax support scheme, local welfare assist scheme and by using the new Crisis and Resilience fund as effectively as we can."

He added: "The fact that we are applying for EFS twice in two years is a difficult position for Trafford to be in, particularly given the fact we are recognised for our sound financial management, but we are not alone with other local authorities also reapplying.

"It does mean that our efforts to increase revenue, save money and work towards financial sustainability are more important than ever and we are doing all we can to reduce our budget deficit.

"Our budget package will continue to address our corporate priorities, with more money spent on making sure our children and young people receive the best start, that everyone can enjoy healthy and independent lives, and that our economy thrives for all our residents and businesses."

With budgets already tight for many residents across Trafford – including in Sale – another above-cap rise is likely to prompt an unsettled local reaction: concern about affordability and questions about how councils can sustain essential services without further pressure on households.

The final council tax level for 2026/27 will be set as part of Trafford’s budget process in the coming weeks.