Lifeline organisations supporting older people across Leeds have today been told that their funding will NOT be cut by Leeds City Council this year.
Council bosses have confirmed they are sustaining the current level of funding to the city’s popular and highly-acclaimed neighbourhood networks, as part of budget proposals set to be considered at next week’s executive board meeting (February 12).
The announcement comes after the council administration proposed not to progress with a suggested 10 per cent reduction for 2025/26 to neighbourhood networks, which had initially been put forward to December 2024’s executive board meeting as part of council-wide spending reviews.
Neighbourhood networks – which include organisations such as Armley Helping Hands and Bramley Elderly Action among others – had already had a 10 percent budget reduction two years ago.
As exclusively reported by WLD last month, Dawn Newsome, the CEO of Armley Helping Hands, spoke on behalf of 34 neighbourhood networks in Leeds to address full council over the proposed 10 per cent cut.
She warned of a ‘catastrophic’ effect on services affecting vulnerable older proper if cuts went ahead.
Today Ms Newsome welcomed the council’s announcement.
“We appreciate our council members have listened to our communities and taken into account the proposed budget cut would have had on direct service to our older generations,” she said.
“We are overjoyed to be notified of the decision to withdraw the proposed 10% budget cuts to the Neighbourhood Networks. This year we endeavour to work alongside Leeds City Council to ensure we can provide a whole system approach and secure the future of the neighbourhood networks.”
Lifeline activities provided by Neighbourhood Networks include lunch clubs, exercise sessions and befriending as well as trips and excursions, with each scheme’s offer based on local needs and demand.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Our neighbourhood networks are a real success story for our city and have been recognised nationally and internationally as examples of good practice, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to guarantee sustained funding for this valued lifeline.
“Although we face significant budget pressures, we absolutely recognise the great work being undertaken by our networks in helping older people live independent lives and play an active part in their communities.
“With one in three people living in Leeds aged over 50 and the size of the 70-80+ population expected to grow significantly over the coming years, we know there is a rising need for these vital support services.
“This continued investment gives a clear commitment from the council to our neighbourhood networks to ensure they are able to grow and enhance their services, in turn helping to improve the lives of thousands of people across the city.”