South Norfolk Council - Budget Consultation 2026/27

We are preparing our budget for 2026/27, and are committed to ensuring that residents, businesses, and stakeholders have a meaningful opportunity to shape our priorities and decisions.

We provide a wide range of services, including housing, benefits administration, homelessness prevention, refuse collection, street cleansing, early help, leisure, planning, and much more.

Our total annual budget is approximately £63 million.

Please note: Highway, social care, and education services are provided by Norfolk County Council.

Why we consult

Consultation is a two-way process that enables local people to influence important decisions. It is not simply a notification of intent, but a genuine opportunity for dialogue, learning, and co-creation. We aim to:

• Improve planning, policy, and decision-making
• Make better use of resources
• Access new ideas and suggestions
• Encourage greater participation
• Govern by consent and strengthen legitimacy
• Shape council activities around residents’ needs and aspirations

How we fund our services

Our finances are finely balanced.

The Council’s main sources of income are income from commercial activity, fees and charges (37%), Government grants (35%), Council tax (16%), Business rates (7%), and investments (5%).

A £1 increase in Council Tax contributes only around £54,000 to our expenditure budget. The Council is limited to a £5 or 3% annual increase.

With reduced central government funding in 2026/27 and future settlements, we face a significant future funding gap.

Where does your Council Tax go?

For 2025/26, the average Band D Council Tax for South Norfolk residents is £2,367.89, of which South Norfolk Council’s share is £175.00. The remainder is allocated to Norfolk County Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner, parishes, and special expenses.

As part of the budget setting process, the Council is interested to hear what residents and businesses think should be the most important areas for the Council to focus on and deliver.

This consultation closes at 23:59 on 16 January.