From 1 April Wyre Council will launch its refreshed Council Plan 2026–2028 alongside a balanced and responsible budget for 2026/27, setting out the key priorities for the year ahead and focusing on the issues that matter most to residents, businesses and communities.
Together, the plan and budget ensure Wyre is in the strongest possible position for the future protecting essential services while delivering major investment in the places, facilities and programmes that support the borough to thrive.
The refreshed Council Plan continues to focus on four key priorities that will guide the council’s work:
- People and Communities – supporting happier, healthier and safer lives for residents
- Growth and Prosperity – building a thriving local economy and vibrant town centres
- Place and Climate – creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough
- Innovative and Customer Focused – delivering excellent, modern public services
Across each priority, the strategy includes commitments to support vulnerable residents, improve access to leisure and wellbeing services, strengthen local neighbourhoods, and provide high quality opportunities for people of all ages. The council will continue to work closely with partners, the voluntary sector, community organisations and local businesses to deliver this.
The refreshed plan has been shaped by local views and reflects what residents told us through the 2026/27 Budget Consultation. People highlighted the importance of protecting street scene, parks and open spaces as the services they most want to see safeguarded from cuts. Residents also emphasised the need to maintain neighbourhood services such as flood and sea defences, and they expressed strong support for leisure, health and community engagement services as essential parts of local life.
They also showed clear backing for the Council Plan’s four priority themes overall, with the majority of respondents rating each one as important.
As part of the approved 2026/27 budget, more than £8 million will be invested into projects that directly support these priorities, including:
- £3.7 million combined investment with Parkwood Leisure to improve Wyre’s leisure centres
- Funding to deliver the Cottam Hall Masterplan, enhancing sports pitches, parking and play areas
- Modernisation of the Waterfront Bar at Marine Hall, supporting culture, events and new income opportunities
- Development of a new education and visitor centre at Wyre Estuary Country Park
- Investment in flood prevention, drainage upgrades and coastal resilience
- Continued support for business growth, high‑street improvements and skills programmes
- Ongoing funding for community programmes such as Positive Futures
- New digital display screens to improve communication across the borough
These sit alongside wider strategic developments included in the refreshed plan, such as the Jubilee Gardens Masterplan, enhanced Coastal and Flood Resilience work, and exploring options for a strengthened Great Eccleston Local Centre.
Over the last year, the council has made significant progress against its priorities:
- Wyre celebrated back‑to‑back national recognition at the iNetwork Awards, with Partner Excellence award wins for both Our Future Coast and the Wyre Moving More partnership.
- Tourism generated over £433 million and supported nearly 4,000 jobs
- Major community improvements were delivered in Garstang, Poulton and Fleetwood
- The Beach Management Scheme progressed ahead of schedule, helping protect more than 11,000 homes
- Wyre reduced its carbon emissions by 51.2% since 2018/19
- Parks, coastline and green spaces earned multiple national quality awards
This performance provides a strong foundation for delivering the new commitments outlined in the 2026–2028 plan.
Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council, said:
“Developing our refreshed Council Plan and setting a balanced budget go hand in hand, they allow us to set out clear priorities and ensure we have the resources to deliver them. Despite the national financial pressures on local government, we are protecting core services while investing more than £8 million into projects that will strengthen our communities, improve our environment, support our local economy and enhance the places people rely on every day.”
“Over the last year we’ve achieved a huge amount together: national recognition for our health and wellbeing work, a growing visitor economy, major environmental improvements and strong community partnerships. We will also continue improving our parks, play areas and open spaces which residents told us are among their highest priorities, as part of our commitment to providing high‑quality places for everyone to enjoy.”
“There is a lot of exciting work ahead, and we remain committed to delivering excellent services every day while also preparing for the future. We will continue working with partners across Lancashire to ensure any future changes in local government are built around strong communities and support long-term economic growth.”