The Council's Budget

Rushcliffe Borough Council Financial Strategy - summary (2026-27 to 2030-31)

The 2026/27 budget has been developed against a backdrop of ongoing volatility in local government finance, including changes to business rates funding, inflationary pressures on pay and contracts, and uncertainty arising from future Local Government Reorganisation. The final local government finance settlement included late changes to transitional funding linked to the national business rates pool methodology, reducing funding over the medium term, with mitigation in 2026/27 through a one-off grant.

Despite these major reductions in Government Funding, the Council has set a balanced budget and due to strong reserves and careful financial planning, a Council Tax freeze is proposed for 2026/27 (Band D £161.77 for RBC element). The Medium-Term Financial Strategy shows a small deficit over five years (£0.815m), which will be managed using reserves and efficiency savings with no requirement for external borrowing. No cuts to services have been required and Capital investment remains significant, focused on leisure, recycling, vehicles, parks, and community facilities.

Key Points

Government funding reduces due to Fair Funding Review and Business Rates reset (£6.676m reduced to £2,675m).
First multi-year settlement (3 years) in a decade gives improved certainty
Five-year MTFS set, however, this may be impacted by Local Government Reorganisation.
Transformation plan to deliver savings of £1.998m over MTFS period.
Council Tax is frozen for 2026/27 at £161.77 (Band D RBC element); Special Expenses increase slightly (West Bridgford £67.40 (3.95%), Keyworth £3.35 (4.36%), Ruddington £3.40 (8.28%).
Budget for 2026/27 is balanced; a small five year deficit (£0.815m) will be covered by reserves.
Inflation and Simpler Recycling costs continue to create financial pressures.
Reserves remain strong (rising from £24.3m to £24.9m) to support stability and manage future risks.
Capital Programme totals £24m over five years, including leisure, vehicles, recycling, parks and community facilities.
New policies for review; removal of Second Homes Premium and introduction of Terminally Ill Council Tax discount.

This budget is designed to ensure we maintain high quality services for current and future generations, a budget that is both financially and environmentally sustainable.

Documents to download

Council Spending