Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched a consultation on its draft budget proposals for 2026/27, asking residents for their views on plans to invest in care, generate income, make savings and balance the books.
The Guildhall in Bath
The council says it is facing significant financial pressures, driven by rising demand and costs in adult and children’s social care, as well as uncertainty over future government funding.
A major Fair Funding Review, which will overhaul how councils are financed, is expected to result in a reduction in money received from central government.
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, said: “At a time when many councils have been forced into cutbacks, we are committed to protecting and investing in frontline services, including adult and children’s services, as well as maintaining spend on our roads, culture and keeping our environment clean and green.
“The government has not yet told us what our funding looks like for next year, but we are pretty certain it will be less. Its funding calculations also assume that all councils will raise council tax by the maximum level of 4.99%.
“We don’t agree with these changes and believe that ministers should ensure no council faces a budget cut.
“But we take our responsibility for managing taxpayers’ money very seriously and have used the best available modelling and advice to put together a set of proposals we are considering bringing to council in February.
“We believe this will allow us to achieve a balanced budget once the government settlement is confirmed.”
Among the proposals is a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, including a 2% Adult Social Care precept that would be ring-fenced to support the most vulnerable. Even with this rise, the council expects to retain the third lowest council tax level in the South West.
Draft plans also include continued investment in support for children with special educational needs, including work to improve speech and language skills in young children to boost long-term educational outcomes.
There is a proposed greater focus on prevention, such as early intervention to reduce the number and severity of falls among people over 65.
On income and efficiency, early proposals include enforcement against drivers who ignore yellow box junction markings, a review of parking charges and a small increase in park and ride fares.
Changes to opening hours at recycling centres in Bath and Welton are also being considered, although residents would still be able to use at least one centre seven days a week.
The council is also looking at altering waste and recycling collection days to make services more efficient.
The consultation sets out the measures needed to balance the budget while continuing to deliver services, and asks residents for feedback on the potential impacts of the proposals.
Responses will be used to help minimise and mitigate any negative effects where possible.
Details of the savings and income proposals, along with the consultation survey, are available on the council’s budget consultation web pages at https://bit.ly/4qgb3EU.
Printed copies and alternative formats, including audio, braille, large print or translations, are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 01225 396053.
Completed paper surveys can be returned to: Budget Consultation, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JG.
The consultation runs until 5pm on 19th January 2026.
