The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, Councillor James Crocker, approved the commencement of public consultation on Warwickshire County Council's budget priorities, spending levels, and Council Tax options for 2027/28. This decision also included the approval of draft consultation materials for publication.

Public Budget Consultation 2027/28

Councillor James Crocker, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, approved the initiation of a public consultation regarding Warwickshire County Council's budget priorities, spending levels, and Council Tax options for the 2027/28 financial year. This decision also encompassed the approval of the draft consultation materials, including an explanation of council services, for public release. The consultation period is scheduled to run from 5 October to 1 November 2026.

The council is facing significant financial pressures due to rising costs and increasing demand for services, particularly in areas such as children's social care, adult social care, and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The council has already implemented substantial savings, exceeding £200 million since 2014, with an additional £72.3 million agreed in February 2026 as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy. However, further measures are anticipated to be necessary to balance the budget for 2027/28.

The consultation aims to gather views on the importance of various council services, potential Council Tax increases, and areas where savings, efficiencies, or income generation could be explored. The responses will be considered alongside legal obligations, service demands, financial information, and available funding when developing the final budget proposals. It is important to note that the consultation does not ask residents to set the budget or make final spending decisions; these remain the responsibility of elected councillors.

The draft consultation material includes a brief explanation of council services to enhance understanding for those unfamiliar with the council's structure or terminology. The analysis of consultation responses will be presented to the Cabinet in December 2026, informing the development of budget options before the final budget and Council Tax level are considered and agreed by the full Council on 4 February 2027.

The report also acknowledges the government's review of the local government reorganisation programme, noting that the final arrangements for such reorganisation in Warwickshire remain uncertain. The council will continue to plan for 2027/28 based on its current responsibilities.

The decision is subject to a call-in period, which will conclude at 23:59 on Friday, 2 October 2026.