Full Breakdown
Staffordshire County Council Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Increase for 2026/27
1/8/2026, 6:18:13 AM
Proposed Budget Overview
Staffordshire County Council, now led by Reform UK, has proposed a 3.99% increase in council tax for the 2026/27 financial year. This increase translates to an additional £64.71 for households in Band D properties, bringing their total annual payment to £1,686.42. The budget proposal includes a £5.5 million investment in children's and family services, while the council aims to achieve £21 million in savings by 2027.
Financial Justifications and Plans
Councillor Chris Large, the cabinet member for finance, emphasized that the council has worked diligently to keep the tax increase below the 4.99% maximum allowed without triggering a local referendum. He stated, “We have a legal duty to balance the books on our spending... we’ve managed to keep the council tax as low as possible and still invest in Staffordshire.” The budget allocates significant resources to care services, with approximately two-thirds of the £840 million budget directed towards the care of children, older adults, and vulnerable individuals.
The proposed budget also includes plans for strategic reviews of various services, including highways, libraries, and legal services, to identify further efficiencies. Additionally, the council plans to recruit 119 new social workers to enhance early intervention in children's services.
Opposition Criticism
The proposed tax increase has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative opposition. Councillor Philip White, the leader of the Conservative group, remarked that many voters who supported Reform UK in the May elections would feel "betrayed" by the tax hike. He argued that the budget largely continues the previous Conservative administration's plans and accused Reform UK of failing to identify wasteful spending as promised during their campaign.
White stated, “Reform said they would find huge savings... but they have found no waste and this budget is largely a roll-over of the previous plans set by the Conservatives.” He expressed concern that the budget is only balanced for the current year, raising questions about the sustainability of council services in the future.
What's Next
The budget proposal will be reviewed by the county council cabinet on January 28, 2024, before being voted on by the full council in February. The outcome of this vote will determine the final council tax rates and budget allocations for the upcoming financial year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have a legal duty to balance the books on our spending and I'm proud that because of good financial management we have managed to keep the council tax as low as possible and still invest in Staffordshire,” — Councillor Chris Large, Cabinet Member for Finance
- “The many people who voted Reform in May expecting to see their council tax cut will feel betrayed by this near 4% rise.” — Councillor Philip White, Conservative Leader of the Opposition
This proposed budget reflects the ongoing financial pressures faced by local councils and the balancing act required to maintain essential services while addressing community needs.
