Kirklees Council reflects on significant decisions made in 2024 amid financial challenges and community feedback
Kirklees: It’s been quite a year for Kirklees, and the council has made some big decisions in 2024. They’ve had to navigate some tough financial waters, forecasting a £12.8 million overspend for the upcoming year.
To tackle this, they’ve closed several facilities, including Customer Service Centres and the Dewsbury Sports Centre. While some folks are upset about these cuts, the council argues they’re necessary to keep things running smoothly.
On the flip side, there’s been some good news too. Major projects like the Huddersfield and Dewsbury Blueprints are moving forward, and they’ve secured extra funding for the George Hotel project. So, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Interestingly, some controversial proposals have been dialed back. For instance, the plan to charge for parking in free car parks was toned down after public outcry. And they scrapped the idea of turning eight libraries into community-run facilities after hearing from the community.
Here’s a quick rundown of the ten key decisions made this year. First up, the closure of Customer Service Centres was a big move. The council hopes integrating these services into libraries will make them more accessible, but not everyone is convinced.
Then there was the library U-turn. The council initially wanted to hand over eight libraries to community groups, but after pushback, they decided to keep them under council control while still aiming to save money.
Next, there are exciting plans for a new museum and art gallery in Huddersfield. This project is part of the Cultural Heart scheme and is set to open in 2029, which is something to look forward to.
In October, they approved new parking charges in some free car parks, but thankfully, they scrapped the more extreme proposals. Still, residents are feeling the pinch with increased costs for parking permits.
As for the John Smith’s Stadium, the council is handing over its shares to Huddersfield Town, which is a significant step for the stadium’s future.
Sadly, the Birstall Household Waste Recycling Centre has closed, sparking a community campaign that gathered over 4,000 signatures. Despite the pushback, the closure went ahead.
And then there’s the Dewsbury Sports Centre, which is now permanently closed. The council plans to demolish part of it and turn it into a car park, which has left many feeling frustrated.
On a brighter note, they’ve agreed to pump more money into the George Hotel project, which has seen its budget increase due to rising costs. They’re hoping to start construction in 2025.
Lastly, there’s been a lot of debate about the future of Cleckheaton Town Hall and the transfer of dementia care homes to the private sector. Families are worried about the impact on their loved ones, and the council is facing a lot of pressure to reconsider these decisions.
So, there you have it! A mix of tough choices and hopeful projects as Kirklees Council navigates through 2024.
