'Grinch' council criticised for festive lights cut

Chris Rogers owns Top Buns in Walsall

Walsall Council is set to cut funding for Christmas lights as part of plans to save almost £30m.

The authority has outlined £28.8m of savings for 2025-26 including the reduction of school crossing patrols, the relocation of the Leather Museum and increasing parking charges by up to 20%. Council tax will also increase by 4.99%.

The council says it has a further £11m budget shortfall due to demand in social care, children’s care, transport for children with special educational needs and homelessness services.

A consultation on the planned cuts ends on November 29.

Walsall Council has outlined £28.8m worth of cuts

The Christmas lights for this year are fully funded, but discussions for next year’s lights are “ongoing”.

Cllr Garry Perry, Conservative leader of the council, said the authority would endeavour to get the lights sponsored by a local businesses.

He said: “This funding will remain a priority, whether supported by existing partners or through contributions from multiple sponsors, even on shorter-term agreements spanning one or two years."

"There are difficult challenges but we are no different to any other local authority."

Labour councillor Simran Cheema said the council was "the Grinch taking Christmas away from residents".

'We haven't got the money to pay'

Business owners in Walsall said times were already tough and cited the government's National Insurance rise for employers and increase in the minimum wage.

Chris Rogers, owner of Top Buns in Walsall, said he had only taken home £25 since his American-inspired cafe opened three months ago.

He said: “Obviously you start a business to better yourself and your family but I’m finding it very hard at the moment.

"If you’ve got Christmas lights lighting up the centre it will attract people to come in.

“I think the council should do a walk around to see if there’s anything they could do to help us.”

Victoria Loxodonta, who runs Community Interest Company The Snuggery, said she understood the council was struggling with growing costs.

She said: “If they can find someone to fund the lights... but then again with businesses struggling, we haven’t got the money to pay.

“The only businesses that are thriving are Poundland and Primark.”

Victoria Loxodonta owns the Snuggery in Walsall

Kam Braitch, owner of Klassic Laser Clinic, said: “Today I haven’t had any clients at all. I just hope and pray that change will take place in Walsall.”

The council leader said many people who responded to the budget consultation had supported proposals to cut Christmas lights funding, with sponsorship as an alternative.

“A number of our areas have already done that including Short Heath and Pelsall," he added.

Kam Bratich of Klassic Laser Clinic

Cheema, the councillor for Willenhall South, said it was a “half-baked budget” which the Labour group would oppose.

She said: “I have concerns that some areas might not be able to fund raise for festive lights. Everyone is feeling the pinch including businesses.

“The council constantly asking communities to do more when they are receiving less.”