Leeds City Council has become the latest local authority to cancel the annual bonfire and firework events due to budgetary constraints.
The council said the decision had been taken due to the ‘significant budget pressures’ faced by the council due to the cost-of-living crisis, which has created more demand for services.
The council is also facing an increase in the cost of electricity, gas and fuel and so decided it could not afford the £200,000 that the bonfire events would cost.
Cllr Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles, said: ‘It is obviously very disappointing for residents that bonfire and firework events cannot restart this year, however the council must work hard on cutting all non-essential spend in the current financial climate.
‘We certainly did not take this decision lightly, and we know that this news will come as a real disappointment to many people, and this disappointment is something that we share.
‘The council continues to be committed to working with partners to ensure that significant community and cultural events will still be able to take place later this budget year and in the run up to Christmas.’
Hackney Council has also decided to cancel its bonfire night events. In 2019, these events cost the council £125,000 to run, with ticket sales only covering £72,000 of the bill.
Cllr Caroline Woodley, Hackney Council cabinet member for Families, Parks and Leisure, said: ‘While we’re sorry not to be hosting a fireworks display in Clissold Park this year, we have to weigh up our priorities as our finances continue to come under pressure from rising inflation and costs. We must also consider the wider environmental and air quality implications of the fireworks.’
