We’ve published our draft budget for 2027, which sets out how we plan to pay for council services in the financial year starting on 1 April 2027. Before councillors make any final decisions, we want to know what matters most to you. You can have your say until 4 December 2026.
The challenge
Like councils across the country, we’re facing costs that are rising faster than our income. Almost 60p in every £1 we spend goes on care and support for adults and children, and that’s where costs are rising fastest, along with emergency housing for homeless families. We plan to spend £309.4 million on day-to-day services in 2027/28, and to balance the books we need to close a gap of £20.2 million.
What the draft budget proposes
- a council tax increase of 4.99%, raising £8.0 million, which would add £105.71 a year (about £2.03 a week) to a Band D bill
- £2.9 million of savings from management and back-office costs, including fewer senior managers and giving up three office buildings
- £1.9 million saved by helping more people to live independently at home for longer
- £1.3 million saved by buying 60 homes to use as temporary accommodation instead of paying for hotels
- £0.5 million of new income from advertising, events and commercial waste collections
- £5.6 million from reserves, while longer-term savings take effect
It also puts more money into priorities: £2.2 million more for waste and recycling, mainly for weekly food waste collections from January; £1.2 million more for road and pavement repairs, paid for by energy savings from our new LED street lights; and £0.3 million to open the winter shelter a month earlier.
Every council is having to make difficult choices. Our aim is to protect the services people rely on most, keep investing in the things that make this a good place to live, and ask council tax payers for as little extra as we can. Please tell us what you think: it will make a difference.
Mayor Helena Marsh
How to have your say
- Read the proposals and comment on our Draft budget 2027: your priorities consultation page.
- Come to the public meeting on the draft budget in the Council Chamber at City Hall on Thursday 12 November at 18:30.
- Pick up a paper copy at City Hall or any of our six libraries.
- Ask for the consultation in another format, such as large print or Easy Read, by calling 01632 960 000.
What happens next
The public meeting on 12 November is a meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee, and it will be webcast. After the consultation closes, we’ll publish a summary of what you told us. Full Council will then set the final budget and council tax for 2027/28 in February 2027.
If you’re worried about paying your council tax, you may be able to get help through Council Tax Support or a discount. See discounts and support.
