Funding secured for city’s popular neighbourhood networks

Despite the significant financial challenges faced by the authority, 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).

Neighbourhood networks are a valued resource to many of the city’s older residents, ensuring they can remain connected to their communities while living independently in their own homes.

They were first developed in Leeds in the 1980s and now have nearly 27,000 members across 34 separate networks, benefiting from around 800 activities to help reduce social isolation, enhance well-being and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

Rooted in communities across the city, activities include lunch clubs, exercise sessions and befriending as well as trips and excursions with each scheme’s offer based on local needs and demand.  

Today’s 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.

The funding demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment towards its ‘Age Friendly Leeds’ ambitions of being the best city to grow old in and a place where people age well.

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.”

For full details on the budget proposals to be discussed at next week's executive board meeting, please read: Leeds City Council Leader welcomes extra funding but warns of challenge remaining as over £100m annual budget saving needed

ENDS

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