Delivering for you with our 2026/27 budget

West Berkshire Council has approved its budget for 2026/27, confirming how more than £210 million will be invested to support residents, improve local facilities, and protect the services people rely on every day. 

With the budget now agreed by councillors, the focus turns to what residents will see and feel from April onwards as this year's spending plans begin to take effect. 

A significant share of this year's funding will continue to strengthen care for vulnerable adults and children. This includes supporting residents with complex needs, helping more people live independently for longer, and ensuring children in care receive the stability and opportunities they deserve. 

Initiatives such as the Low-Income Family Tracker will carry on identifying households who may be missing out on benefits, putting money back into residents' pockets. Care leavers will also benefit from continued Council Tax support to help them move confidently into adulthood. 

Residents consistently tell us that road conditions matter to them. This year's budget includes major investment in resurfacing, drainage, street lighting and wider maintenance programmes. These improvements will support smoother journeys, reduce pothole issues, and help ensure our network remains one of the best maintained in the South-East and nationally. 

The budget expands the district's environmental work, including more electric vehicle charging points, and investment in greener travel options.  

School improvements will continue across the district, including modernised facilities, improved learning environments and additional support for children with special educational needs. With 95% of local schools already rated Good or Outstanding, this year's investment aims to keep raising standards and expanding opportunities for every child. 

A number of local projects will get underway this year, including an enhanced visitor experience at Shaw House and the repurposing of a former care home in Hungerford to create additional emergency accommodation. A new 3G pitch at Faraday Road in Newbury will also support local clubs and provide more opportunities for sport and active lifestyles. 

Councillor Iain Cottingham, Executive Member for Finance, said: 

"Now that the budget is approved, residents will start to see the benefits of the decisions we've made. We're continuing to protect the services people value most - from social care and education to recycling and roads - while investing in projects that will make a real, lasting difference across our communities. 

"The financial challenges facing councils across the country are well known, but we're managing them carefully and responsibly. This budget keeps our priorities at the heart of everything we do." 

On Monday (23 February) the Government agreed in principle to our request for a borrowing facility of up to £30 million for the 2026/27 financial year ahead. We're one of 35 councils across the country receiving this funding next year. 

The full budget papers, including details of spending plans and capital projects for the year ahead, are available on our website. Residents can also watch the full Council meeting on demand via our YouTube channel.