Spending Plans for 2025 / 2026

This year, the Council has prioritised delivering critical services and infrastructure improvements, allocating £187 million for essential services and £73 million for capital projects. Despite financial challenges, we remain committed to enhancing our district through targeted investments.

• Schools and SEND
  Facilities: Significant improvements to support education and pupils with Special Educational Needs.
• Infrastructure
  Development: Improving core infrastructure to better serve the community.

On top of infrastructure projects, the £187 million budget for daily services ensures the continuity of vital operations that residents depend on, such as:

• Waste and recycling collections
• Maintaining open spaces
• Housing
• Education

In alignment with our cost-saving plans:

• The Garden Waste Scheme has been updated with charges linked to Council Tax Bands.
• Proposals are under consideration for charging replacement fees for waste and garden bins.

Our £73m capital programme is funding these projects in 2025/26 - and many others too.

Furthermore, the Council is driving progress with several key initiatives:

• Solar Farm at Grazeley: £18.6 million investment towards renewable energy goals.
• Highway Drainage and Flood Risk Improvements: Doubling the budget to £1.7 million.
• Highway Surfacing: gets an additional £4 million, bringing the total investment to £12 million, to improve road quality significantly.
• Bus Service Enhancements: £1 million to strengthen transportation options across the district.
• Nutrient Neutrality Programme: £2.4 million dedicated to reducing nutrient pollution in the River Lambourn, supporting environmental sustainability.

Recognising the challenges posed by the current economic climate, the Council has secured Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government. This decision was not made lightly, and we join other councils across the country in seeking additional assistance to bolster financial resilience. The EFS funding will:

• Reinforce the Council's general reserve fund by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year.
• Strengthen the budget for 2025/26 to safeguard the delivery of essential services and infrastructure improvements.

Through strategic planning and decisive action, we continue to deliver essential services and infrastructure, create financial stability, sustainable growth and unwavering support for our residents during these challenging times.