The council is facing significant financial challenges due to rising costs and increasing demand for essential services, particularly in adult and children’s social care and temporary accommodation. The available funding has not kept pace with these pressures, leading to a projected gap of approximately £18.7 million for 2027/28, with available reserves offering only a temporary solution.
The consultation aims to inform residents about the council's financial situation, explaining income sources, spending priorities, and the challenges faced. It seeks views on how the council can operate more effectively and efficiently in the future. Currently, around two-thirds of the council's spending is dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and children, with the remaining third covering services such as waste and recycling, roads, parks, libraries, and transport.
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, emphasised the need to challenge existing practices and leverage new technologies and ideas to deliver necessary outcomes efficiently. She stated, "Our priority remains protecting people with the greatest needs. Around two-thirds of our current spending supports vulnerable adults and children, so we need to make sure that every pound we have available is working as effectively as possible."
Residents are invited to consider how they would prioritise the council's spending and are being asked for their views on a proposed 4.99 per cent Council Tax increase for 2027/28, which includes a 2 per cent increase for Adult Social Care. The council is exploring ten broad areas for potential improvements, including simplifying processes, better utilisation of assets, improving commissioning and procurement, and enhancing support for children and adults.
Feedback from the consultation, which runs until Sunday 20 December 2026, will help the council develop more detailed proposals. Residents can participate via the council's budget consultation website at www.southglos.gov.uk/budget.
