Residents Invited to Help Shape Southampton City Council’s 2026–27 Budget

Southampton residents are being asked to help decide how the city prioritises its spending over the coming year, as Southampton City Council launches a public survey ahead of setting its 2026–27 budget.

The council says the feedback will play a direct role in shaping how services are funded, which areas are protected, and where savings or new income streams might be found.

The survey invites people to rank the importance of key council services — including support for vulnerable children and adults, community safety, waste and recycling, housing, transport, parks, libraries, leisure and public health. Residents can also give their views on potential approaches to savings, as well as submit their own ideas for improving efficiency.

In announcing the consultation, the council highlighted the financial pressures it continues to face, despite progress over the past year. According to the authority, it is on track to save £33 million this year and has submitted a balanced budget without relying on Exceptional Financial Support for day-to-day spending. Rising costs and increased demand for services, however, remain ongoing challenges.

Councillor Simon Letts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said the council’s recent stability has been hard-won. “Over the last year, we have made major progress stabilising our finances, thanks to the hard work of our officers and the addition of £11.3 million to our grant funding from the government,” he said. “This has enabled us not to just set a balanced budget but also to start improving the services the council provides.”

Despite that progress, he warned that next year may still require difficult decisions. “However, with demand for our services continuing to increase, next year we may need to make some difficult choices,” he added. “This means we want to hear from local people about their priorities and ideas to help shape the council’s budget for next year.”

The council says all responses will be carefully considered as it prepares its detailed spending plans for the year ahead.

The survey is open until Sunday 21 December 2025 and can be completed online via the council’s website. Printed copies are also available at local libraries. The final budget will be agreed at Full Council on 25 February 2026.