Cardiff Council launch budget plans for 2026/27
Members of Cardiff Council’s cabinet have said they will not be proposing any cuts to front-line services ahead of their budget setting process for the 2026–27 financial year despite a funding gap of more than £20 million
Members of Cardiff Council’s cabinet have said they will not be proposing any cuts to front-line services ahead of their budget setting process for the 2026–27 financial year despite a funding gap of more than £20 million.
The discussion came as the authority launched its annual budget consultation at a meeting on January 8, to give residents a chance to express their views on the budget as well as to highlight their priorities for the coming year.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Chris Weaver said because of a “much more positive” draft budget settlement from Welsh Government with an uplift of 4.2%, they would not be proposing any cuts to front-line services as part of the budget.
The authority is facing a £22.7 million budget gap:
However, he also noted that despite the improved position, the authority would still be facing a £22.7 million budget gap that would need be met in order to balance the books.
This is expected to be done largely with “back-office efficiencies, and increased income generation” with no decision on council tax increases yet announced.
A council spokesperson previously said the budget gap was driven by a combination of demands and financial pressures, most notably within the care sector.
They said: “The council’s funding priorities remain clear: to protect education, children’s services, and adult services, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents continue to receive the support they need.
“The consultation will also ask residents for their views on whether additional funding should be provided to these areas, and if there are other services where increased investment is needed.”
Addressing the chamber, the council’s leader, Cllr Huw Thomas said it was the first budget he could remember where they were not proposing any cuts to front-line services.
Cllr John Lancaster said he felt the consultation was shorter than in previous years and questioned what sort of data quality they would get from it ahead of the budget setting process.
The public consultation was later approved unanimously and will now run until midnight on February 1, ahead of the council’s budget meeting in early March 2026.