As the local elections approach, Walsall’s political parties have clearly defined their positions on key community issues, including council tax hikes and major regeneration projects funded by over £120 million in government investment.
Walsall Council has approved a consistent 4.99% annual council tax increase for the past three years, with a similar rise forecasted through to 2029. Currently, residents in Walsall pay the highest council tax in the West Midlands region. For the 2026/27 year, Band D property owners face an average bill of £2,627.48, compared to £2,145 in Dudley— the lowest in the region.
On regeneration, substantial government funding is earmarked for various borough areas: Bloxwich and Walsall each receive £21.3 million, while Willenhall, Darlaston, Blakenall, and Brownhills share £20 million. Walsall town centre is undergoing transformative redevelopment including the creation of a new public plaza. Bloxwich boasts a new multimillion-pound digital skills hub in the former Post Office, alongside upgrades to King George V Playing Fields. Willenhall is reshaping derelict industrial land into 109 new homes. Plans for Darlaston, Blakenall, and Brownhills remain in development, amid concerns from local councillors regarding community involvement in decision-making processes.
READ MORE: Erdington Mother Dies After Hospital Fall and Complications; Family Seeks Justice
READ MORE: ‘Stick with us or risk chaos with others,’ says Solihull Council Conservative leader
Here is a summary of key candidates’ stances on council tax and regeneration:
Advance
Opposes further tax increases due to financial strain on residents and calls for cutting waste and enhancing service efficiency.
Conservatives
Support the existing 4.99% yearly council tax rises as part of a planned budget, welcoming regeneration efforts that promote employment and growth.
Green Party
Attributes tax rises and service cuts to austerity and reduced central funding, emphasizing local spending to support jobs and frontline services.
Labour
Aims to minimize tax increases while protecting services and ensuring regeneration benefits all borough areas with resident-led initiatives.
Liberal Democrats
Criticize reliance on council tax hikes, advocating increased central government funding to maintain or improve services.
Reform UK
Proposes a thorough financial review, targeting waste reduction and more transparent regeneration boards with resident elections.
Walsall Community Independents
Seek to limit tax rises only to social care costs and boost council tax relief for those in need, placing residents at the heart of regeneration decisions.
Candidates underscore the importance of ensuring regeneration funding delivers tangible, visible benefits—boosting local economies, jobs, and community vibrancy—while addressing concerns over governance and resident involvement.