A public consultation on the draft budget, including proposed savings, investments and increases in council tax, began  on Thursday 29 October 2026 and will remain open until 23.59 on Tuesday 1 December 2026.

To review the draft budget and proposals and complete the online survey, visit: http://www.walsall.gov.uk/budgethaveyoursay 

You can also take part in the consultation by:                                 Emailing: consultations@walsall.gov.uk, Telephoning: 01922 650000 or by writing to Budget Consultation, Walsall Council, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1TP.

Councillor Elaine Williams, Leader of Walsall Council, said, “Setting our budget means making decisions that affect people’s everyday lives. Rising costs and increasing demand, particularly in adult social care and children’s services, continue to place significant pressure on the council’s finances. We must respond to these challenges while delivering value for money and meeting our responsibility to set a balanced budget.

“Although substantial savings have been delivered, difficult choices remain. We know household budgets are under pressure, and we intend to keep any council tax increase as low as reasonably possible, while maintaining the services that our residents rely on.  

“These are draft proposals, and your views matter. A budget shortfall remains, and we have further work to do to develop a balanced budget. Before final decisions are made, we want to hear your views on our spending priorities, proposed savings and council tax. 

“Please take part in the consultation and tell us what matters most to you, how the proposals could affect you and whether you have any alternative suggestions. Your feedback will help inform Walsall’s budget for the year ahead.”

The report sets out draft revenue budget proposals and a draft capital programme for the period 2027/28 to 2030/31.

Key points include:   

• A 3.99% council tax increase is included as a planning assumption for 2027/28, but no final decision has been made, and a formal decision will be made when the final budget is approved by Council on 25 February 2027.    
• A £10.057 million budget shortfall remains for 2027/28, with further work needed to achieve a balanced budget. 
• Approximately £26.3 million in savings and efficiencies are proposed for 2027/28. Inclusion in the consultation does not represent final approval to implement them.
• The council will continue to press Government for a fairer Public Health Grant that reflects Walsall’s deprivation and health needs, supports preventative services, and helps tackle health inequalities and reduce longer-term demand on services.
• The council will continue to lobby the Department for Education to fully fund eligible special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) related deficits, so these costs do not reduce the resources available for other council services.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered and an updated budget will be provided to Cabinet in January 2027. The final 2027/28 budget will be presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 10 February 2027 and then to Full Council on Thursday 25 February 2027.