Council opens budget conversation with first-ever question time event

14 January 2026

People working and living in West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to watch back the Council’s first-ever Budget Question Time to learn more about the authority’s draft proposals for protecting and improving services in the year ahead.  

More than 220 residents, businesses and community representatives tuned in live to watch West Northamptonshire Council’s first-ever Budget Question Time event last night in a step that further strengthens transparency and public engagement in the process. 

The online session provided an open forum for people to hear directly from the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members and senior officers about the draft budget proposals for 2026/27, which the authority has called the toughest task yet in its five years as a unitary council.

Attendees were able to learn more about the financial pressures facing local government, the choices behind the proposals, how these decisions could affect local services and communities and ask questions about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. 

For those who were unable to attend live, a recording of the event is now available to watch on YouTube. The presentation slides and additional information can also be found on the dedicated Budget Question Time webpage. Questions raised during the session are currently being pulled together into a set of frequently asked questions, which will be added to the same page shortly. 

We were really pleased to see residents take time out of their evening to join us for the session and I want to thank everyone who listened in and shared their views.

This first Budget Question Time marks the beginning of a more open and inclusive approach to engaging our communities on how public money is spent, with residents firmly at the heart of the discussion.  As a new administration, we want to be open, approachable and willing to have honest conversations, even when the issues are complex or challenging.

Last night wasn’t just about us talking through the budget, it was about listening, answering questions and starting a dialogue with our residents about the things that impact their everyday lives. Your involvement matters, and it will help shape how we move these budget proposals forward.

Councillor Mark Arnull Leader of the West Northamptonshire Council

Residents can continue to share their views on the draft budget proposals until midnight on 3 February by completing the survey on our Consultation Hub. The survey can be accessed online for free at Council managed libraries across West Northants, or you can request a copy in another format by emailing  [email protected] or phoning 0300 126 7000.