Your Money, Your Say: Join our Budget Question Time event

Every day, we deliver hundreds of services that impact people’s lives, from caring for children and adults, to maintaining roads, collecting bins, providing housing and support, and helping communities and businesses to thrive.

Like councils across the country, we are under increasing financial pressure. The cost of providing services is rising fast, and more people need our help. But the funding we get from the government has not kept pace. 

Despite making £146 million in savings over the last 5 years, we face a further £50 million shortfall in the money needed to run everyday services next year (revenue budget).

To tackle this, we have spent months reviewing spending carefully and exploring every opportunity to reduce costs, while protecting frontline services. By law, we must produce a balanced revenue budget, and that means some tough choices will be needed.

Be part of the conversation

We published our draft budget. This is your chance to see the proposals and share your views. To help you understand the decisions and why they are being made, we are hosting an online Budget Question Time session.

The Budget Question Time will take place on Tuesday 13 January 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm via Microsoft Teams.

This is your opportunity to:

• hear directly from the Leader Cabinet Members, and senior officers
• understand the rationale behind proposals and the challenges we face
• ask your questions and feed them into the consultation
• take part in a transparent, fair, and inclusive discussion focused on our budget

How to join the event

On Tuesday 13 January, join us between 6:30pm and 8:30pm:

If you are joining the event from an iPhone, you may be asked to download the Microsoft Teams app in order to take part.

Depending on your device, you might also be able to join directly through your web browser without downloading the app. Please follow the instructions shown on your device when prompted.

Alternatively, you will be able to dial in on 020 7660 8311 (standard charges apply).

Ask your questions

We want to hear from you during the event.

You can:

• send your questions in advance to [email protected]
• submit questions live via the Microsoft Teams during the event

Why your involvement matters

This is your chance to put forward the issues that matter most to you, whether you join us live or prefer to share your thoughts ahead of time.

This will be the first time the Council has held a session like this, and we’re keen that as many people as possible get involved.

Your questions and feedback help shape the Council’s final decisions and all contributions form part of the consultation.

Last updated 23 December 2025