Have your say on our spending for 2026/27
We’re committed to getting residents more involved in the decisions about the services which matter to you, so your views are taken into account when we consider our budget and spending plans for 2026/27.
Most of our spending is committed to things we have a legal duty to provide, so you’ll mostly be helping to shape our spending in the areas where we have a choice (known as discretionary spending), and at how we’ll look to make savings.
More than two thirds of all the money we have goes on supporting vulnerable adults and children, there’s more detail on this below.
Give your views
It’s important you know how our money is used. So first we’ll explain our financial situation and then we’ll ask your views.
You’ll be able to give your views again in autumn on more detailed proposals, before councillors finalise our spending plans early next year.
Support our calls for fairer funding
As well as seeking your views on our spending, we are also calling for your support as we lobby the government for changes to the way councils are funded.
Everybody taking part in the consultation will have the chance to add their name to a list of those who support our calls.
We receive about £30million a year less from the government than the average local authority – that works out at about £400 less per household each year.
This is due to the way the government decides how much each council gets, which is based mainly on deprivation (areas of low income), rather than what it costs the council to meet the needs of the community.
The Government does not fully factor in some of the highest cost areas such as adults and children’s social care.
These are not linked to deprivation and so we don’t believe they are considered properly by the government. We don’t think this is fair and will continue to lobby government for a better funding model for councils.
Our ask of the Government is for:
- Funding to match inflation and general cost increases
- Funding for real local needs, rather than simply using deprivation measures, particularly in adult and children’s social care
Phases
First round of consultation for our 2026/27 budget
Now that you've read about our financial situation above, tell us what you think we should consider when we're thinking about our budget for next year by answering the questions below.
We'll also ask if you want to support our calls for fairer funding. As well as seeking your views on our spending, we are also calling for your support as we lobby the government for changes to the way councils are funded. We will ask you at the end if you would like to add your name to a list of those who support our calls.