Peterborough Council Proposes Lido Closure and Service Reductions Amid Budget Shortfall

A local authority has put forward plans to temporarily close a central lido and reduce library provisions to address a financial shortfall. Peterborough City Council released its budget recommendations on Monday, detailing its strategy for expenditure and savings in the upcoming year. The council indicates that its projected budget deficit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year has “increased significantly,” escalating from £3 million to over £20 million, attributed to heightened service demand and escalating expenses. Mohammed Jamil, the deputy leader of the council, stated: “We have to be honest about the fact that we cannot continue to provide everything we have done previously.” He further explained that expenditure would be maintained in sectors deemed to have the “greatest need,” including support for the elderly and vulnerable, children and families, and housing assistance. A public consultation regarding these proposals, allowing residents to express their views, is scheduled to run from December 17 to January 14. Peterborough City Council noted that, similar to numerous other local authorities, it is confronting a substantial financial predicament stemming from “huge increases” in the need for its services. This encompasses assistance in adult social care, services for children, special educational needs provision, and homelessness support. The council proposed an increase in council tax exceeding 4.99%, which represents the highest permissible rise without requiring a public referendum. While the council has not specified an exact percentage, a 4.99% rise would contribute an additional £83.15 annually to the council’s portion of the charge for a band D property, thereby increasing the council’s funds by £5.2 million. The submitted plans emphasize that the city’s art deco outdoor swimming facility, operational during warmer periods, incurs annual running costs exceeding £400,000, even with revenue from entrance fees. According to the council, year-round operation of the lido would be feasible, contingent upon securing external financial backing. The proposal is to “mothball the lido whilst officers work to develop a new vision for the facility and seek to attract external investment”. Additional recommendations involved closing four unprofitable cafes situated at the lido, Flag Fen Archaeology Park, Vivacity Premier Fitness, and the Museum and Art Gallery, which would generate annual savings of £100,000. Decreasing the operational days of the Museum and Art Gallery from six to three per week, alongside boosting revenue from Flag Fen, is projected to yield savings of £345,000 across a three-year period. A plan to scale down the existing library network from ten fixed locations to three is expected to save £314,000 annually. The council indicated its intention to invest in an upgraded Central Library and two supplementary libraries, complemented by smaller self-service points in community hubs throughout the city. The document also referenced two speed cameras funded by the council, the city’s yearly spring cleaning initiative, and higher fees for different waste collection services. The council expressed its desire to prevent the issuance of a Section 114 notice, which would formally inform the government of its inability to fulfill its statutory obligations within its allocated budget. Such a notice would halt all non-essential expenditures and enable government-appointed commissioners to assume control of the council’s operations. Mr Jamil commented: “This is not the case in Peterborough, and that is thanks to the hard work and determination of cross-party councillors and officers.” Following the conclusion of the consultation period, the budget will require endorsement from the council’s cabinet.