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As the county council’s annual budget consultation launches today, Monday 27 October, people are being urged to take a look at the proposals and have their say.
The county council is working to set a balanced budget, despite the need to save £41.6 million in 2026-27.
Cllr Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance at Norfolk County Council, said: “All councils are facing higher costs and greater demand for services. Once again we’re facing an unenviable financial situation with a budget gap, the continued cost increases from inflation, spending pressures across wider public finances, and uncertainty about government funding for 2026-27 onwards.
“Despite this, the Council’s budget plans still provide for £298m budget growth over the next 5 years to deal with demand and cost pressures. This will enable us to continue to protect vulnerable residents while still delivering the key services which are relied upon every day by Norfolk’s residents, businesses and visitors.
“I’d urge people to take a look at our proposals and let us have your views. We also want to hear your ideas for making savings, as we believe that the people who use our services are the best people to comment on how to get more out of our services, while tackling the budget deficit.”
This year there are 50 budget saving proposals, and proposals to increase council tax, which provides a large part of the funding the county council needs.
These proposed savings add up to £35.7 million – which would make a big contribution to the overall amount that needs to be saved.
To help deal with cost pressures and invest in vital services, the current budget planning for 2026-27 is based on an assumption to increase council tax.
Three options are being considered:
- An increase of 3%
- An increase of up to 5%
- An increase of more than 5%
People can find out more and have their say at www.norfolk.gov.uk/budget
The consultation opens on Monday 27 October and closes on Monday 15 December 2025.
ENDS
Notes to editors
We will take a report about the findings of this consultation to the Norfolk County Council Cabinet meeting in January 2026.
The council’s select committees will comment on the budget proposals, before Cabinet finalises the proposals in January 2026 and the Full Council makes a final decision on the budget in February 2026.
Key national announcements, including the Autumn Budget on 26 November and the Local Government Finance Settlement in December, will inform final proposals.
For more budget facts and figures, see our budget factsheet: https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/consultation/budget-proposals-2026-27/supporting_documents/budget-factsheet-final-accessiblepdf
For political comment
For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs
Group leaders’ and councillors’ contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors
For further information please contact:
Communications Team at Norfolk County Council
Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk |
