Residents shape Council's final budget plans for 2026/27

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has published details of its final budget proposals for 2026/27, ahead of them being considered by Cabinet and Full Council later this month. The plans reflect both the significant financial pressures facing councils nationally and the feedback received from resid...

Like local authorities across the country, WNC continues to face rising costs and growing demand for services, particularly in adult social care and children’s services. These pressures have made setting a balanced budget increasingly challenging. This year, the Council began the budget process with an anticipated £50 million shortfall for 2026/27 and undertook an early and detailed review of its finances. This follows £115m of budget savings to date since the authority was formed in 2021, meaning this has been the most difficult budget-setting process so far. Through the 2026-27 budget process a further £29m have been identified to contribute towards close the gap taking the total savings identified since 2021 to £144m. 

Alongside this work, the Council invited residents, businesses and community groups to share their views through a six-week public consultation. More than 3,000 responses were received, the highest level of engagement on a budget consultation to date. The engagement was further strengthened   through the Council’s first online Budget Question Time. 

Feedback from residents supported by some additional resources through the Local Government financial settlement, has helped shape the Council’s final revenue budget of £1.02 billion (£464.3m excluding the Dedicated Schools Grant). 

The final budget proposals include several key changes from the draft Budget that was consulted on, including a reduction in the proposed Council Tax increase from 4.99 per cent to 4.95 per cent, reduction in the proposed garden waste charge and changes to the car parking proposals, with new concessions introduced to support short-stay parking and local economic activity. Final details of the car park charging changes will be confirmed at the Cabinet meeting. 

Councillor John Slope, Finance Cabinet Member at WNC said: “Having inherited such significant financial challenges, we committed from the outset to leaving no stone unturned in finding the savings and income we need to set a legally balanced revenue budget for 2026–27. We know that some of the proposals we have had to consider are far from easy, and we do not take those decisions lightly. 

“What has been especially heartening throughout this process is the strength of engagement from our communities. We received a record number of responses to the budget consultation, and I want to thank every single person who took the time to share their views. 

“The feedback has now been carefully analysed, and we have acted on what residents told us. Their insights have directly shaped the final budget proposals we will be presenting particularly on garden waste fees and car parking charges which were by far the biggest bones of contention highlighted through consultation period. The public have raised concerns, and we have listened and made changes as a direct result. 

“This process shows the real impact that local people can have on the decisions we make. Your feedback does not sit on a shelf, it informs our thinking and, where we can accommodate, influences the choices we take forward.” 

The final budget also proposes that the authority invests £163 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 £82.5million 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 £364.4 million in housing investment, ensuring sustained improvements. 

Cabinet will consider the final budget for 2026/27 on Monday 16 February 2026 for recommendation to the full Council meeting on Thursday 26 February 2026.  Further details can be found on the Council website.