This outlined a balanced plan and further investment in priority services identified through a recent public consultation.

The budget report was presented to the meeting together with a separate recommendation for a 2.99% increase for 2026/27 on the District Council’s portion of Council Tax charges for the year ahead, equating to a rise of £5.61 per year (11p per week) for households living in a Band D property. The District Council’s portion of Council tax is approximately 8% of the total Council Tax bill.

Balancing the budget has been achieved through the Council’s change programme which has already delivered £1 million in savings, and greater financial stability brought about by the government’s new multi-year funding settlement.

Despite the challenging economic climate since April 2025, the District Council has delivered several key initiatives, including:

• Start of work on the new Elizabeth Park
• Newly installed accessible playground equipment at Mill Gardens in Leamington
• Refurbishment of historic public buildings at the Town Hall and Royal Pump Rooms
• Roll out of our low-cost low carbon initiative to promote energy efficiency in council homes and public buildings

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources, Cllr Jonathan Chilvers commented:

“As a District Council, we've worked hard to be more efficient whilst still improving our services through the prudent budget management as well as flexibility and innovation of staff in implementing our ambitious change programme. This budget keeps us on a responsible financial path while ensuring we continue to invest in the services residents rely on most.

"The stability provided by the multi-year funding settlement means that we can plan confidently for the longer term to deliver meaningful improvements in priority areas and support our communities in uncertain times.”

Following a public consultation exercise in December and January, the budget has delivered investment in a number of key areas, including:

• Additional funding for the community wardens, helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
• Support for fly-tipping collection and enforcement
• Targeted investment in the Green Spaces team to support the repair of play equipment and safeguard the district’s parks and open spaces for the future
• Enhanced investment in the pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and designated wildlife areas
• Support for the Events team so that community groups and businesses can continue to bring a year-round programme of events to encourage footfall to our town centres