Budget consultation 2026/27
We’re committed to being open and transparent about how we spend taxpayers’ money, and the budget consultation is your opportunity to share your views and let us know how you feel about the proposed budget.
We have seen cuts year-on-year to the funding we receive from the Government, and this year is no different. This coupled with rising costs, has meant that our finances need to be carefully managed in order to continue delivering and improving the services we provide for the district.
Key points for the budget consultation for 2026/27
The survey details the main areas of the Forest of Dean District Councils budget and allows for comments on the Cabinet’s current plans before these are put before Full Council in February.
We’d like to hear from members of the public with comments and thoughts on all subjects and services that we deliver.
The consultation runs from 19 December 2025 - 16 January 2026.
What we deliver
Forest of Dean District Council receives less than 10p in every £1 of your Council Tax to provide the services it is responsible for, including:
- Waste and recycling collection
- Leisure services
- Parking and public toilets
- Promoting economic growth and regeneration
- Support for homeless people
- Street cleaning
- Street warden service
- Housing and Council Tax support
- Planning and building control
- Environmental health and licensing services
- Election administration
Additional plans in our proposed budget for next year also include:
- Creating new roles within the organisation to help tackle climate change across the Forest of Dean, enabling us to step up our actions in response to the declared Climate Emergency within the local community
- Continued support for the Forest of Dean Local Regeneration Fund projects, including the regeneration of Five Acres into a centre for sporting excellence
- Helping to ensure the availability of affordable homes for residents in the district
- Supporting our local economy, and helping new businesses and social enterprises get up and running with our grant schemes
How we propose to pay for these plans
Making our services more efficient
In 2025/26 we were able to save over £668,100 through increased efficiency and sustainable investments and are aiming to save £385,740 during the next financial year.
Income from services we charge for
We receive a portion of our income from services such as green waste collection, car parking fees, planning and other service fees. This makes up a small percentage of the Council's overall income.
Increasing Council Tax by 12p a week
With Government funding decreasing again this year, we are therefore proposing an increase of 2.99%, or 12p a week in Council Tax for Band D properties.
Residents on low incomes can receive assistance with payments through our Council Tax Support Scheme. There are also Hardship Funds available to residents who are unable to pay Council Tax.
Have your say
The consultation opens 19 December 2025 and runs until 16 January 2026.