Politics
Preston Community Services Referendum to Allocate Council Funds for Local Programmes
Preston residents vote in September on whether council revenue will support expanded access to youth centres and elderly support services in wards including Ribbleton and Fulwood.
How we reported this
The Preston Community Services Referendum asks city voters on 8 September 2026 to approve a measure that would direct a portion of existing council revenue toward designated social programmes run by Preston City Council.
Local government officials placed the question on the ballot after the council's annual budget review identified shortfalls in discretionary grants for community facilities. The referendum follows the council's decision to seek direct resident input on spending priorities rather than adjust allocations through the standard committee process.
Direct effects on daily services
Approval would maintain current staffing levels at 14 community centres operated by the council, including sites in Avenham Park and the Deepdale area. Rejection would require the council to reduce opening hours at those locations starting in the 2027 financial year, according to the draft budget paper released last month. Residents who use after-school clubs at the centres or weekly lunch clubs for older adults would see changes first.
Policy analysts note that the measure does not create new taxes. It instead locks in spending categories already listed in the council's 2025-26 revenue account for community development. The legislation states that any approved funds must be spent within the city boundary and reported in quarterly public updates.
Next steps for voters and implementation
Ballot papers will list the question in plain language and include a summary of projected spending lines prepared by the council's finance department. The government says the policy will produce a binding direction for the 2027-28 budget cycle if passed by a simple majority. Results are expected within 48 hours of polls closing, after which the council must publish a spending plan within 30 days.
Local advocates note that turnout thresholds do not apply to this referendum under the current city constitution. Eligible voters include all registered residents aged 18 and over on the electoral roll maintained by Preston City Council.