Budget proposals 2026/27: How we could fund and prioritise the services we provide

This survey is part of a wider consultation exercise which will contribute to our annual revenue budget setting process. You can find more information and links to the two specific proposals here.

Background

As part of our annual budget setting cycle, we undertake a consultation with residents to ensure all voices across the district are listened to.

Councils across the country continue to face unprecedented financial pressures, and West Berkshire Council is no exception. The council is responding to increasing demands in adults' and children's social care services supporting our most vulnerable residents, and in other areas such as homelessness and home to school transport. The increases in demand, combined with higher inflation and increasing costs, are financially impacting the council and its suppliers.

Councils are required by law to deliver a balanced budget. Where a council is unable to set a balanced budget, Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) can be sought from central government. EFS involves an independent external review of the council's finances, and if necessary, the adoption by the council's Executive of a financial recovery programme. 

Details of the council's funding and where it currently spends its budget can be viewed here.

Why we want your views

In February 2026, we will set our budget for the financial year ahead (2026/27), and to help shape that process, we want your views on how we could fund and prioritise the services we provide.

How to take part

If you'd like to to tell us your views, please complete our survey by midday on Monday, 12 January 2026. It should take about five to ten minutes. 

Complete our survey

If you have any questions about this consultation, please email the Performance, Research and Consultation Team.
 

What happens next

The budget papers for 2026/27 will be considered at the Executive meeting on Thursday, 12 February 2026. A decision to set a balanced budget will then be made by elected Members at the meeting of Full Council on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

The recommendations made in the budget papers will also be reviewed and discussed by members of the Resources and Place Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

Meetings of the Executive and Full Council are open to the public, as required by law, but you may be excluded from some discussions on confidential matters. If you'd like to ask a question at a meeting, find out what can and can't be asked, and how to submit your question here.