Southampton City Council Approves Ambitious £285.2 Million Budget for 2026/27
Southampton City Council has approved a £285.2 million revenue budget for 2026/27, setting out a major investment in local communities while marking a return to financial stability.
The improved budget comes as the council reports a stronger financial position, thanks to significant and sustained savings, more effective demand management, and changes to government funding. For the first time in several years, Southampton will not require Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from central government.
At Full Council this week, Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“In a recent survey, over a thousand residents told us that waste and recycling, support for vulnerable adults, community safety, services for children and young people, and public health were key priorities for them. Through this ambitious budget, we have demonstrated that we care about these priorities and are investing in what matters most to our residents and communities.
Over the next year, we will focus on delivering safer communities through a new Community Safety Fund supporting local crime prevention initiatives. We are investing in better school environments with a £10 million programme to upgrade school buildings, ensuring children learn in safe, modern spaces. We will provide more opportunities for young people, including £100,000 in grants for youth activities and prevention projects.
Our neighbourhoods will be cleaner and greener, supported by £400,000 for environmental enforcement, investment in new waste vehicles, and the rollout of weekly food waste collections. We are doubling the highways capital budget to accelerate road repairs, resurfacing and safety improvements, and allocating almost £2 million to improve parks and play areas.”
Key Budget Priorities
• Safer Communities: New Community Safety Fund for crime prevention
• Education & Youth: £10 million for school upgrades, £100,000 for youth initiatives
• Environment: £400,000 for enforcement, new waste vehicles, weekly food waste collections
• Transport: Highways budget doubled for repairs and safety improvements
• Parks & Play Areas: Nearly £2 million for enhancements
The council also confirmed a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, equivalent to £1.83 per week for the average Band D household. Council officials noted that support will continue to be available for residents who need financial assistance.
The approved budget represents a significant step in strengthening Southampton’s financial resilience while delivering investments in the services and infrastructure that residents have highlighted as most important.