One week left to comment on Council’s 2026/27 budget proposals

There is now one week left for residents, businesses and community groups across West Northamptonshire to give their views on West Northamptonshire Council’s draft budget proposals for 2026/27.

The Council is consulting on a range of proposals designed to address significant financial pressures and set a balanced budget for 2026/27. The public consultation is open until midnight on Tuesday, 3 February, after which the results will be presented by Cabinet alongside the final budget report on 16 February before going to full Council for a final decision on 26 February 2026.   

People are encouraged to have their say by completing the survey on the Council’s Consultation Hub. The survey can be accessed online for free at Council‑managed libraries across West Northamptonshire, or you can request a copy in another format by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 126 7000. 

WNC started its budgetary process this year with an anticipated shortfall of £50m for 2026/27 and embarked quickly on a review of its finances, identifying around £32m of efficiencies and income generation to close the gap.  With the already-lean unitary authority having made £146m of savings since 2021, this latest round of budget-setting has been the most difficult so far.  

The Council is therefore proposing a range of measures for 2026-27 to help it set a balanced revenue budget for 2026/2027 of £1.01billion (£458.9m excluding the Dedicated Schools Grant). This includes increasing its part of the Council Tax by an average 4.99% in line with what the Government allows – the equivalent of an extra £93.16 per year or £1.79 a week for the average Band D household and generating additional funding of £17m for the Council.  

The draft budget also reviews the Council’s discretionary fees and charges (those not required by law) which includes increasing charges for some services not used by all residents, such as garden waste collection and car parking.  

Having inherited such huge financial challenges, we committed to leaving no stone unturned in our work to finding the savings and income we desperately need to set a balanced revenue budget in 2026-27 and know some of these options are far from palatable for everyone.

 We understand the concerns people have about some of the options we are exploring and it’s absolutely vital that they let us know so we can consider their views before finalising what options will be within the final budget.Councillor John Slope, Finance Cabinet Member at West Northamptonshire Council

The draft budget also proposes that the authority invests £143 million as part of its capital programme spanning 2026/27 to 2030/31, designed to deliver long term benefits for residents and businesses. This long-term investment aims to strengthen local infrastructure, support safer and more vibrant communities, and prepare West Northamptonshire for future growth.  

 The proposals also include £78.6 million investment through the HRA (Housing Revenue Account) capital programme, supporting new build housing, estate improvements, heating upgrades and disabled adaptations. By 2031, the Council will have delivered £359.6 million in housing investment, ensuring sustained improvements  

Following the close of the consultation, feedback will be used to finalise the budget proposals, which will be presented to Cabinet on 16 February before a final decision is made by Full Council on 26 February 2026.