Cuts could hit pools, waste collections and care

A major review of council services in Wolverhampton is under way, with waste collection, swimming pools and the future of the wholesale market, all likely to be affected as the authority looks to save more than £30m.

In an update on the draft budget for 2025-2026, the council has announced a swathe of cuts across numerous areas.

Reviews of adult care services could save £2.6m, frontline services in waste, recycling and street cleaning £6.9m and the current provision of swimming pools £670,000.

Further consultation will take place before any decisions are made, the council said.

Under the proposals, the authority is looking at stopping funding for the wholesale market which costs £272,000 a year to operate, although traders have already been made aware the council is reconsidering plans to redevelop the area because of "significant financial challenges."

In a statement on Wednesday the council told BBC News that talks had been held with traders and, should the decision be approved, "we will continue to support them in their efforts to find alternative accommodation for their private businesses".

A review into waste collection could mean a reduction in services and staff numbers and an increase in charges, along with a reduction in the delivery of essential day to day services.

Customer services, registrars and archive services will be looked at, "to deliver efficiency savings and also review opening hours" in a bid to save £3.1m", it said.

Maximising the use of technology and AI within support services could save £3.5m and a review of children's services and education, looking at essential day to day services, could also save £763,000, the council said.

Within public health and wellbeing, the authority said it will look at its provision of community assets with a view to reducing the total number but integrating and using the same buildings where possible to save £1m.

Leisure centres, especially swimming pools, are some of the most expensive buildings to run, the council said, and it will now look at its current provision, "in particular reviewing buildings no longer fit for purpose".

Closing a Shopmobility unit in the city centre would save £29,000 given it was not well used, with only 13 regular customers a week using old equipment.

A review of how the council commissions temporary accommodation will be carried out to save £300,000 and a consultation on whether to introduce charging 16 year old SEN students for transport will also be conducted.

Further details of the proposals will be discussed at a cabinet meeting next Wednesday.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.