The council tax you pay directly to Fylde Council supports the services and improvements that keep Fylde thriving. This year it has helped deliver the award‑winning transformation of St Annes Square, secure the future of Kirkham Baths, enhance parks and play areas, and support major events that boost our local economy. It funds cleaner streets, digital waste services, safer public spaces, and investment in our high streets and communities. It also enables exciting developments to come, e.g. modernised leisure facilities at St Annes Pool and the new Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre.
We remain committed to working efficiently whilst maintaining high standards even though costs are rising. The council tax increase for 2026/27 is 2.99% which equates to an extra £6.94 per year for a Band D property. For anyone facing financial hardship, we are here to help. For advice on council tax discounts or benefits, contact us at 01253 658658 or email listening@fylde.gov.uk
Thank you for being part of our community. Fylde Council will continue delivering the best possible value for your council tax, including during the Government’s planned reorganisation of local government. Whatever changes lie ahead, our focus remains firmly on serving you well and protecting the services that matter most.
If you have any questions about your council tax bill, please refer to our FAQ’s which can be found at this link.
Welcome to the Fylde Review 2026
Welcome to our annual feature in which we showcase the accomplishments Fylde Council have delivered for the people of the Borough in the preceding twelve months and look to what’s yet to come.
What We’ve Achieved
St Annes Square Transformation
The £3.13 million transformation of St Annes Square was completed in time for the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations, creating a vibrant new heart for our community. This landmark project has already been recognised with a prestigious award, demonstrating Fylde’s commitment to creating exceptional public spaces that bring people together.
Read more here.
Summer Events Success
Our summer events programme reached new heights, with the St Annes Kite Festival securing Cotton Traders as a headline sponsor. Combined with the ever-popular Lytham 1940s Weekend, these flagship events generated significant economic benefits for local businesses and reinforced Fylde’s reputation as Lancashire’s premier coastal destination.
Read more here.
Inaugural Fylde Fest: In the Square
Building on the success of our transformed Square, we launched Fylde Fest, celebrating the very
best of Lancashire life with local food, crafts and entertainment. This new festival demonstrated
how our investment in public spaces creates opportunities for community celebration and economic growth.
Read more here.
Lytham Ice Festival
Our fourth annual Ice Festival brought winter magic to Lytham, attracting thousands of visitors and providing a significant boost to local businesses during the quieter months. Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the festival wowed visitors with stunning ice sculptors, live carving demonstrations, and a sparkling winter atmosphere.
Read more here.
Swimming Provision in Fylde
Following extensive negotiations, we secured the future of swimming provision across Fylde and confirmed the refurbishment of St Annes Pool and reopening of Kirkham pool. This ensures affordable, accessible swimming facilities remain available for all our residents, supporting health, wellbeing and vital water safety education.
Read more here.
Green Flag Award Success
Six of Fylde’s parks retained their prestigious Green Flag status, confirming our borough’s parks as among the best in the country. This continued success reflects our commitment to maintaining exceptional green spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life
and wellbeing.
Read more here.
North West In Bloom Triumph
Fylde secured over 40 honours in the North West In Bloom awards, with our communities, businesses and volunteers all contributing to this spectacular success. This achievement showcases the pride our residents take in their neighbourhoods and the strength of community spirit across the borough.
Read more here.
St Annes Beach Wins Awards
St Annes Beach was awarded the Seaside Award 2025, recognising our high standards of cleanliness, safety and visitor facilities. This achievement, combined with significantly improved bathing water quality results, confirms St Annes as one of England’s premier coastal destinations and reflects our commitment to protecting and enhancing our beautiful coastline.
Read more here.
Clifton Street Improvements
Major improvements to Clifton Street earlier this year, including comprehensive tree pruning, enhanced lighting and new heritage-style banners, have improved safety and accessibility on this popular heritage street, creating a better experience for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Read more here.
Digital Waste System Launch
Our new digital waste portal streamlined services for thousands of households, making it easier than ever to report missed bins, order replacements and manage garden waste subscriptions. This modernisation demonstrates our commitment to improving customer experience whilst increasing operational efficiency.
Read more here.
Clifton Play Area Transformation
A £120,000 investment transformed the play area at William Pickles Park in Clifton, delivering 12 brand-new pieces of equipment, safer surfacing and improved accessibility paths. Working closely with the Friends of Clifton Park community group, we created a modern, inclusive space where children of all abilities can play safely together.
Read more here.
Fylde Community Sports Awards 2025
We celebrated our grassroots sporting heroes at the Fylde Community Sports Awards 2025, recognising the volunteers, coaches and clubs who inspire active lifestyles across Fylde. These awards highlight the vital role local sports play in building healthy, connected communities.
Read more here.
UKSPF Business and Employment Support
Through our UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment, we’ve delivered comprehensive employment support to Fylde residents thanks to our partnership with AFC Fylde Community Foundation, and helped local entrepreneurs grow their businesses with The Small Business Academy. Our Multiply programme has also helped dozens of residents build essential skills, creating pathways to better opportunities across the borough.
Read more here.
What’s coming next?
St Annes Masterplan: Phase 2
Work begins on two major projects that will transform connections throughout St Annes town centre. The Pier Link scheme will create an enhanced, accessible route between St Annes Square and the seafront, while the Garden Street project will transform the street into a pedestrian-friendly link between the Square and Ashton Gardens. Both schemes feature high-quality paving, enhanced landscaping and improved street furniture.
Read more here.
Places Leisure Appointed New Leisure Provider for Fylde
Places Leisure has been appointed Fylde’s new leisure provider, taking over operations from 1 April 2026 and delivering a historic £9.3 million transformation of both St Annes Pool and Kirkham Baths. This partnership will see St Annes Pool completely modernised with new leisure facilities, while Kirkham Baths will be fully restored and reopened with a reconditioned pool and new fitness suite, bringing swimming back to rural Fylde after years of closure.
Read more here.
Major Events Return for 2026
Our flagship events return bigger and better, with the beloved Lytham 1940s Weekend in August, the spectacular St Annes International Kite Festival in September, the sparkling Fylde Ice Festival in winter, and a further Fylde Fest celebration. Along with the AIG Women’s Open Golf visiting Lytham this summer, these events continue to attract thousands of visitors, boost our local economy, and showcase everything that makes Fylde special.
Read more here.
Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre Opening this Easter
Our new visitor centre at Fairhaven Lake will transform the experience for the hundreds of
thousands who visit this beloved destination each year. The facility will provide improved amenities, educational opportunities and a base for activities around the lake.
Read more here.
Fylde Council’s 2026/27 Budget Proposal
Fylde Council’s 2026/27 budget proposal includes a 2.99% increase in the average council tax charge, supporting a range of growth initiatives aimed at enhancing the borough. Key capital growth proposals include additional funding to strengthen Fylde’s events programme, support for continuing the Local Plan examination progress, and new resources to help residents reduce their environmental impact through the new food waste collection service.
Read more here.
