“We are frustrated that there is still significant ambiguity about the impact of the government’s funding reforms, with a possible loss of roughly £30 million over the next three years.

Our final allocations will not be known until December, but we are preparing as best we can with the information we have now and trying to ensure that every service gives good value for money, is cost effective, and contributes to our council’s priorities.”

The position is better than expected in February, when a £27 million gap was foreseen – but, like with councils around the country, things are still stretched.

The proposed budget cuts include £7.9 million for adults’ services, £6 million for children and young people, £4.7 million for the environment and climate change, and £4.6 million for highways and transport.

One big issue is the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, which is expected to total about £200 million by the end of the fiscal year.

Cllr Hunt highlighted the government’s “continuing failure to adequately fund the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) budget for our children.”

The shortfall is presently off the books – an arrangement that will expire in March 2028 – but the council must continue cover it, despite a loss of over £6 million in investment income this year alone. That is money that could have been put elsewhere.

Cllr Hunt stated: “Providing services to support SEND is a statutory function that the government should finance as part of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

However, by failing to provide enough financing, we are effectively providing an interest-free loan to the Department of Education.

The council plan and budget for 2026/27 will be approved by the whole council on February 20, 2026.

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