Politics
Preston Community Services Referendum to Decide on Local Levy for Social Programs
Voters will consider a measure that would direct an estimated £850,000 in new annual revenue to Preston community centers, youth outreach and elder support services.
How we reported this
Preston residents will vote in a local referendum on 15 November on a ballot measure that would authorise a 1.5 per cent increase in business rates to fund expanded community services. The proposal affects all ratepayers within the city boundaries and would apply to roughly 4,200 commercial properties.
Why the measure appears on the ballot now
City council records show that demand for social support services rose 22 per cent between 2023 and 2025, driven by higher referrals to food distribution points and mental health outreach teams. The referendum follows the 2025-26 budget settlement, which left a £1.1 million shortfall in discretionary community grants after national funding adjustments.
Local advocates note that the measure would allocate the new revenue to three named programmes: the Fishergate Community Hub, the Ashton youth employment scheme and the Ribbleton seniors transport service. These programmes currently serve 3,800 registered users each month according to council service logs.
Projected distribution of funds
The legislation states that 60 per cent of the levy proceeds would support operating costs at existing centres, 25 per cent would expand after-school and holiday programmes, and the remaining 15 per cent would cover transport for isolated older residents. The Productivity Commission has found that similar local levies in other English districts have produced average annual collections within 8 per cent of initial forecasts.
If the measure passes, the council expects the first payments to reach service providers in April 2027. Residents can review the full text of the referendum question and the accompanying financial projections on the Preston City Council website or at any public library branch until 10 November.