Have Your Say: Budget Consultation for 2026/27 Now Open

The Council’s draft budget proposals for 2026/27 have now been approved by Cabinet for consultation, and colleagues across the organisation are encouraged to take part and help spread the word.

Following consideration by Cabinet on 15 January, a four-week public consultation is running from 16 January to 13 February, inviting residents – and staff who live in the Vale – to share their views on the draft budget and future service priorities.

There are multiple ways to get involved, including through the Participate Vale online portal.

What’s in the draft budget?

The Council’s total net budget for 2026/27 is £354 million. Around two-thirds of this (just over £240 million) comes from the Welsh Government, with the remainder from Council Tax and the Vale’s share of business rates.

This budget funds a broad range of services that thousands of people rely on every day – from education, adult and children’s social care, housing and homelessness support, highways, waste and recycling, to parks, public spaces, and many other statutory and essential services.

Around 70% of the budget is spent on education and social care. These are vital, legally required services that support all schools, learners, families, and some of our most vulnerable residents.

Despite ongoing challenges such as rising costs and increasing demand, teams across the Council continue to deliver high-quality services we can all be proud of.

A more positive financial outlook

This year, the financial position is brighter than it has been for some time. A better-than-expected Welsh Government settlement, combined with continued efficiency and innovation through the Reshaping Programme, puts us in a stronger position moving forward.

The draft budget includes:

£2.77 million in savings across service budgets, including some increased charges
A proposed 5.5% Council Tax increase
Continued investment in priority areas, including an additional £1 million for schools
Further funding to upgrade buildings and public spaces – consistently identified as priorities by residents in previous engagement

The consultation also asks whether residents would support increased investment in areas such as rural transport, youth services and open spaces.

Your role matters

Listening to residents is central to our Vale 2030 ambitions and helps us shape our Corporate Plan priorities – from creating great places to respecting the environment, giving everyone the best start in life, supporting those who need us, and being the best Council we can be.

As colleagues, we play an important part in encouraging participation and helping residents understand how their views influence decision-making. Your insight, and your help in spreading the word, makes a real difference.

How you can help

Take part in the consultation – it’s open to all staff
Share the link with colleagues, friends, family and neighbours who live in the Vale
Encourage teams who regularly engage with residents to pass on information and signpost to Participate Vale

The consultation is open now and closes on 13 February.

Take part on Participate Vale