Bucks council tax to increase 4.99% this year
Buckinghamshire Council has agreed a budget for the coming year
Residents across Buckinghamshire will see their council tax bills increase by 4.99% starting from 1st April 2026, as the County Council says it is grappling with reduced funding from government.
The basic rate of council tax will rise by 2.99 percent, with the Adult Social Care precept increasing by 2 percent.
This results in an extra cost of £1.86 per week for the average Band D home in the area during the 2026/27 fiscal year.
Buckinghamshire Council says it has agreed on a ‘balanced budget’ despite facing increasing financial challenges which have been exacerbated by the government’s ‘Fair Funding Review’.
The council has faced a funding reduction of £44.5 million, while losing grant funding and retaining lower business rates.
Buckinghamshire Council says it has made significant savings since 2020, with total savings expected to reach £296 million by the end of 2025/26.
The council has also pledged to continue prioritising essential services, with investments planned for roads, weekly bin collections, education, special educational needs provision, and statutory services that support the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said: “It is only through prudent budgeting in previous years and keeping a continued focus on where we can make savings and efficiencies, that we are making sure that every pound we spend is value for money.
“We are continuing to prioritise the areas that matter most to residents including investment in roads, maintaining weekly bin collections and funding for education and special educational needs provision. This is alongside our commitment to maintaining and protecting our statutory services which our most vulnerable residents rely on.”
He continued: “We will continue to protect essential services, invest in our communities and maintain our focus on efficiency, value for money and delivering for local people”.