People invited to have say in 2026-27 budget consultation
People can help shape future decisions around Dudley Council’s budget by having their say in a six-week consultation.
Like all local authorities, Dudley is coming up to the important budget setting period and is asking Dudley residents, businesses and organisations, to have their say on how that money should be spent.
The council budget proposals for 2026/27, include a range of investments totalling more than £18million. This is in addition to £17million that the council has built in for inflation.
The budget also includes £3.5million worth of new efficiency savings and plans to boost reserves to £48.8million by April next year and £66.1million by 2031.
The survey asks people which council services they have used this year, their priorities for next year and their level of support for any council tax or adult social care precept increases.
The responses will be considered alongside advice from council officers, elected members from political groups, businesses and partners in health and other public service organisations across the borough. A summary of the public’s responses will be included in the report considered by the council when agreeing the budget in February 2026.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member responsible for finance, said:
“It has been a really challenging few years for local authorities, but thanks to our prudent management, Dudley’s financial position has greatly improved.
“We are not out of the woods yet but it’s looking positive. We are continuing to find efficiency savings across the authority and are bolstering our reserves year on year. We want to continue to invest in our services, in particular children’s and adult services with a budget which prioritises people.”
“This consultation gives our residents the opportunity to share their views and tell us what matters most to them when it comes to council spending. Hearing from residents and businesses is essential to understanding their priorities and how these align with the management of our budgets.”
The consultation opens on 15 December and runs until 23 January 2026. There is a direct link to the survey on the council’s homepage.
People can take part in the survey here or can find out more on the budget consultation webpage.