West Northamptonshire Council Draft Budget 2026 to 2027 Consultation

Closes 3 Feb 2026

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Proposed increase to Council Tax

Key to helping the Council protect essential services whilst balancing the books in its fifth year as a unitary authority is the income it receives from Council Tax. 

The Council is proposing to increase the amount of Council Tax by a total of 4.99% (2.99% general increase plus 2% for adult social care), in line with the limit set by Government, which allows for this increase without triggering a referendum. 

The proposed Council Tax rise will bring in about £17 million more income for the year. This money will help protect existing services. Without this increase, more services reductions would need to be reviewed to balance the budget than what is currently suggested in the draft budget. 

The overall Council Tax increase of 4.99% includes a core Council Tax increase of 2.99%, as well as utilising the allowable adult social care precept increase of 2%. 

Example: Breakdown of cost for a Band D property

As an example, the Council Tax for a Band D property in this current year is £1,866.98 for West Northants Council services.  

This will rise by 4.99% to £1960.14 in 2026 to 2027 for all of the Council services for the whole year, which is an increase of £93.16 per year or £1.79 per week.

To what extent do you agree or disagree that we should increase core Council Tax by 2.99% to address the additional cost, and protect and invest in services?
If you disagree, please use the space below to outline other ways you feel we could address the shortfall this would create, that we aren’t already considering.
To what extent do you agree or disagree that we should protect Adult Social Care by increasing Council Tax by 2% to fund the rise in costs?

More information

The Adult Social Care Levy was introduced by the Government as a way of funding social care because of rising costs and demand.

Councils like us, that are responsible for adult social care, can raise extra money through Council Tax, which must be spent directly on care for the most vulnerable adults and older people in the area.  

Use the following space if you have any comments on the impacts of the 2% increase, or any alternative options you feel we should consider:

Thank you for your feedback, once you select Continue below, you will be taken back to the Contents page where you have the option to make further comments on other proposals if you want to.

If you do not wish to comment on other proposals, please scroll to the bottom of the Contents page and select Finish.