Have your say on budget proposals
Blaby District Council is calling for views on its budget for the coming financial year 2026-27.
In February the Council will meet to agree its budget and wants to hear opinions on its proposals, including any changes to Council Tax rates.
The Council is legally required to set a balanced budget. In 2026-27 the Council has a proposed net budget requirement of £19,730,521. This funds a variety of services which support communities, including Housing, Environmental Health, Community Services and many more.
Just as inflation drives up the cost of household bills, it also increases the cost of delivering Council services. At the same time, a growing District creates rising demand for services.
This means the Council needs to deliver more for residents without any additional government funding.
It costs more to provide essential services, and there are increasing pressures in key areas such as homelessness, where many local families are struggling to access or remain in private rented housing or take their first step onto the property ladder.
Before using any reserves, and without any increase in Council Tax, a funding gap of more than £1.5 million is being forecast for 2026-27.
Ways to bridge this gap will need to be found, either by increasing income, reducing spending, releasing reserves, or a combination of these.
The majority of the Council's funding comes from Government grants, Business Rates, and Council Tax.
Blaby District Council is responsible for collecting Council Tax from its residents but it only keeps around 8% of the money collected.
The bulk goes to Leicestershire County Council (70%) with the rest split between Leicestershire Police (12%), Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (4%) and Parish Councils where applicable (6%).
This year District Councils are being allowed to increase council tax by 2.99% - for Blaby this is an extra 11p per week or £5.82 a year on a Band D property (taken as the average).
Residents are being asked if they support this increase and whether they think Council services are good value for money. They are also being asked what services they see as a priority.
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "It’s part of our vision to be guided by what matters to our residents. Your views are important and we want to hear them as we shape the budget for the coming financial year.
"As we continue to face financial challenges we want to hear your views on our 2026-27 budget proposals and understand what your service priorities are. So, please have your say and let us know your thoughts."
The consultation will end automatically at midnight on Monday 16 February. Views expressed will be considered by the Council when it makes its final decision on the 2026-27 budget on Tuesday 24 February.
The consultation can be accessed here: https://www.blaby.gov.uk/budget-consultation
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore
Portfolio Holder for Finance