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From 1 October to 1 November 2025, ȫ��̽�� County Council is running a public consultation to hear your views on how the council manages its budget. You’ll be able to see where the funding comes from and give your views on how spending across key services should be prioritised.

The consultation also asks for your thoughts on council tax levels, where funding could be reduced, and ideas for saving money or generating income.

You can have your say and help to inform decisions before the Council’s budget is finalised in February 2026.

Chief Financial Officer at ȫ��̽�� County Council, Phil Rook said: “We know these decisions affect people’s everyday lives, and we don’t take that lightly. This consultation is a chance for residents to tell us what matters most to them. We’re asking for honest, practical feedback to help us make informed choices that serve the county.

“As you may already be aware, councils across the country are facing extreme financial challenges, and ȫ��̽�� is in a similar position. Balancing the budget is not an easy task. The income we receive is largely fixed (it’s a set amount of income from government grants and council tax) but the demand for services and the cost of providing those services rises year on year. We are seeing a huge increase in both cost and demand for children with high needs, adult social care and home to school transport.

“We will no doubt have to make very difficult decisions this year. This is why this budget consultation is so important, and I would encourage those who live or work in ȫ��̽��, to take the time to fill it in.”

To take part, please visit: 

2026/27 Budget Consultation

This consultation runs from 1 October 2025 to 1 November 2025.

Consultation responses will help inform decisions ahead of the publication of the detailed draft budget proposals later in the Autumn. The finalised proposals will then be considered for approval by ȫ��̽�� County Council in February 2026.