The council's budget has been agreed for 2026/27, setting out a balanced financial plan that protects the services residents rely on while continuing to invest in local communities and priorities across the district.
The budget has been shaped following feedback from residents through the council’s budget consultation and forms part of a long-term financial planning approach designed to ensure the council remains financially resilient while continuing to deliver for residents.
At a meeting of Full Council on 24 February, councillors approved a financial strategy that will see continued investment in key services including parks and open spaces, community safety, environmental protection, waste and recycling, and support for local communities, protecting the services residents told us matter most.
In 2026, the council will deliver investment beyond core services, including support for local businesses through the shop frontages grant programme, investment in socially rented housing, improvements to parks and environmental spaces, and projects to support the city centre such as increased car parking capacity and enhanced pedestrianisation delivering tangible benefits for residents and businesses across the district.
As part of the plans, the council will invest £4.68 million as a lasting investment in local communities, funded through a planned and responsible use of council reserves to support projects and priorities across the district ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.
This investment forms part of the council’s wider capital programme and will help ensure residents continue to benefit from improvements that strengthen communities and enhance the district for the future.
Council also agreed additional investment to support residents and communities, including further funding for advice and support services, community transport provision and youth services across the district.
Despite ongoing financial pressures facing local government nationally, the council has set a balanced budget that focuses on protecting day-to-day services while continuing to invest in the district’s future, while maintaining strong financial resilience. The approved budget includes a District Council Band D council tax of £201.79 for 2026/27, an increase of £3.94 per year (1.99%) helping to maintain vital local services while continuing to deliver value for money for residents.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“This budget is about doing the right thing for our residents; protecting the services people rely on every day while continuing to invest in our communities and local priorities.
“Our investment of £4.68 million as a lasting investment in local communities demonstrates our commitment to continuing to improve the district and support our communities as we prepare for the changes ahead through Local Government Reorganisation.
“This is a balanced and responsible budget that ensures we remain financially resilient while continuing to deliver improvements that make a real difference to residents’ lives.
“We remain focused on delivering a greener, healthier and more prosperous district, and this budget ensures we can continue making a positive difference for residents.”
The Medium Term Financial Strategy sets out a long-term approach to financial planning, ensuring the council remains financially resilient while continuing to deliver improvements for residents, businesses and communities.
The council will continue to monitor financial pressures closely while delivering its priorities through the Lichfield District 2050 Strategy, ensuring the district remains a great place to live, work and visit. Residents can find more information about council services and support at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk