Draft Vale 2026/27 budget to be considered by Council
A draft budget for 2026/27, setting out how Vale of White Horse District Council plans to protect local services, support communities and manage public money carefully, will be presented to councillors for approval this month.
The proposed £21 million budget will be considered by full Council on 11 February, following scrutiny by councillors and recommendations from Cabinet. If approved, it will guide how the district council delivers day to day services and invests in local facilities during the next financial year.
The proposal focuses on keeping key council facilities safe, modern and fit for use. This includes targeted spending on leisure centres and essential repairs, with projects prioritised to deliver clear benefits to residents while avoiding long‑term financial risk.
Funding has been put forward for planned leisure centre improvements, including the potential for upgraded gym equipment, better changing facilities, improved accessibility and energy saving measures designed to reduce long-term running costs. The proposals also include the resurfacing of Barrow Hills BMX track to allow the site to reopen, funded by money secured from new local developments via the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.
If approved by Council, there would be a £5 increase for a Band D council tax bill, bringing the annual charge for services provided by the district council to £166.69. This increase has been set at a level intended to balance affordability for residents with the need to protect services and continue investing in facilities that support local communities.
The proposals for responsible and proportionate investment are aimed at maintaining and improving council owned facilities during this period of uncertainty for local government and reflect a cautious but forward-looking approach, particularly considering potential Local Government Reorganisation.
Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This draft budget has been developed at a time of rising costs and the prospect of significant change to local government. That makes careful planning more important than ever as we continue to support our communities and provide the services that residents rely on.
“While the recent Government settlement provides greater certainty funding wise, we need much more clarity on the direction of local government reorganisation. Our priority is therefore to ensure that investment is affordable, proportionate and flexible, without committing the Council to unnecessary long‑term costs.
“Within that careful approach, we are planning to continue investing in facilities that matter to people. This includes ensuring our leisure centres are accessible and offer modern equipment which is as energy‑efficient as possible.”
Ends
You can view the proposed budget papers on the meeting agenda for Cabinet on Friday 6 February.
