Cabinet considers Business Plan and Budget for 2026-27

The Business Plan outlines the key performance indicators that we will monitor our performance against, and projects which align with the Council's priorities.  Among the proposals is the continuation of investment into our economic development strategy totalling £368k including master planning for town centres, business events and asset reviews. Additionally, £10 million is earmarked for new council housing, alongside £51 million of capital investment to upgrade our existing housing stock, this includes the upgrade of kitchens, bathroom, windows, boilers and other work to improve the energy efficiency of homes.  The new Local Plan will continue to be progressed, as well as enhancing our recycling services and delivering a full calendar of community-focused events across the Borough.

Under the Council’s fees and charges strategy, most fees and charges will rise in line with inflation. The average Band D Council Tax for the Borough Council is proposed to increase by £7.29 per year (around 14p per week), and housing rents are set to rise by 3.8%, in accordance with Government guidance (although further Government announcements are expected this month).

Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Climate Change, said:

"The Council’s ability to deliver a balanced budget continues to be challenging.  I am pleased that this year the budget has been prepared with additional financial support from Government for key services. While difficult decisions still have to be made, we are pleased to be able to include many exciting projects in our Business Plan for next year that will deliver on our priorities for the community."

Councillor Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Leisure and Community, added:

"The Joint Administration’s priority continues to be the delivery of quality services that keep the community at the heart of everything that we do.  We are pleased that we have been able to include many projects that will benefit the community in the Business Plan whilst also limiting the increases in fees and charges wherever possible in the budget.”

The full Cabinet papers are available on the council website.

The budget proposals were also reviewed by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) on January 7, 2026.  Recommendations from OSC and any subsequent changes will be considered at a Special Cabinet meeting on January 20, 2026, ahead of a final decision by Full Council on February 2, 2026.