Trafford’s leading Labour Group has approved a budget that will see millions invested in schools, roads, towns, businesses, social care and leisure centres.

The administration also earmarked funds to upgrade the borough’s parks, cycling and walking routes in a bid to support its ambitions to improve the health and wellbeing of all its residents.

The investment strategy forms part of an overall budget spend of more than £192m and an £80m capital investment programme.

Cllr Tom Ross, Executive member for Finance and Governance, said he was proud to deliver a balanced budget that supports the borough’s economic recovery – despite being pressured by financial and political uncertainty.

Speaking during Wednesday’s Budget meeting, Cllr Ross, said local government continued to be a force for good at a time where faith in national politics is in ‘freefall’.

He added: “Throughout our most recent troubled times – colleagues in social care have supported our most vulnerable residents and helped keep them safe.

“Our children’s services, youth engagement and drop-in street talk teams have helped shape our younger population.

“In addition, we have provided grants to businesses and individuals and also moved to a cash-first approach.

“We have also delivered on our manifesto pledge and provided the first fully social rent development in Trafford for more than a decade.

“And I’m delighted to say that this echo-friendly scheme has provided quality homes with lower than average bills for all its tenants meaning it backs our vision of supporting people out of poverty while addressing the climate crisis.”

Spending will be directed to the following key areas:

• Schools gaining an additional £19.77m for improved infrastructure
• An extra £5.56m to support the borough’s most vulnerable residents
• An additional £10m will be spent in children’s and adults social care
• More than £8m for leisure and sports facilities
• An extra £12.6m will be invested in highways and infrastructure improvements
• Almost £4m to improve and install cycling and walking routes
• An additional £840k to improve green spaces and biodiversity
• Town centre investments include £13.38m through the Future High Streets Fund

This year a budget gap of £20.14m has been closed with a council tax increase, the use of £11.43m of reserve funds and £5.32m of savings and extra income.

Cllr Ross added: “This budget shows what a positive difference a Labour Council can make to our local area.

“This is a budget that fulfils our vision for Trafford, where all our residents, businesses and communities will prosper, whilst offering a big increase to support the most vulnerable people in our borough.”

Trafford Council leader, Cllr Andrew Western, agreed with his colleague and said he was proud of the investments the Labour Group has successfully achieved.

Cllr Western added: “The budget has been incredibly challenging, but I could not be more proud of where we have ended up.

“I would particularly like to highlight the £20m investment in schools and the extra £12.6m in highways and broader infrastructure and the £8m in leisure facilities.

“Moreover, I would like to thank all the officers who have worked tirelessly through these unprecedented and challenging times.”