Liverpool locks in 2026-27 fees, charges and budget for 1 July start

Liverpool City Council has adopted its 2026-27 budget, fees and charges and capital works program, with the package due to start on 1 July 2026 after councillors considered submissions from public exhibition.

The vote also covered the Revenue Pricing Policy and the Long-Term Financial Plan 2027-2036. Councillors approved the package subject to any agreed amendments and asked for an August report on how to urgently use restricted contributions totalling $300 million for infrastructure, noting it is the second-highest balance in the state.

The budget item was brought forward late in the meeting and carried unanimously. It locks in Council spending, capital works priorities and many charges for the new financial year.

For residents, businesses and local suppliers, the changes affect what Council charges, what it spends and which projects it can start from the first day of the financial year.

Council also agreed to return to the previous Code of Meeting Practice adopted on 23 July 2025 after rescinding the November 2025 changes, and set councillor and mayoral fees at the maximum range allowed by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

Other decisions included extending Robert Lagaida’s appointment as an independent member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for a further four-year term and deferring a cost update for the Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre to a future meeting.