Herefordshire Council is inviting residents and businesses to take part in its Budget 2026/27 consultation, giving you the opportunity to have a direct say in how council services are prioritised and where savings may need to be made.
The consultation runs from Tuesday 9 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, and the Chamber strongly encourages Herefordshire Members to participate to ensure the voice of the local business community is heard.
Why your input matters
Herefordshire Council provides a wide range of essential services to around 191,000 residents, supported by a net annual budget of £231.5 million. However, reductions in government funding combined with rising demand for vital services mean the council is facing significant financial pressures for 2026/27.
As a result, difficult decisions will need to be made about how resources are allocated, and where savings and efficiencies can be found. This consultation is a key opportunity for businesses and residents to influence those decisions.
How the council’s budget is currently spent
The council’s budget is divided across several major service areas, with a strong focus on supporting the most vulnerable:
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£99 million (39%) is spent on Community Wellbeing, including Adult Social Care, where the council has a legal duty to support people with significant physical, mental health, or disability-related needs.
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£59 million (25%) supports Children and Young People, including Children’s Social Care for those at risk of harm.
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18% of the budget is allocated to Economy and Environment, covering services such as waste management, bin collections, street lighting, and road maintenance.
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The remaining budget funds a wide range of other services, including corporate and operational costs.
What the consultation is asking
Participants are asked to imagine they are responsible for setting the council’s budget. You will be asked to consider each major service area and indicate whether you would be comfortable or not with reductions in spending.
Your responses will help inform how the council prioritises services and focuses necessary savings, ensuring decisions reflect the views of the community.
Take part
We encourage all Herefordshire Chamber Members to complete the survey and share their views.
Complete the survey here
Closing date: Sunday 4 January 2026
What happens next
All responses will be treated confidentially and anonymised. The findings from the consultation will be used to inform the council’s final budget, with results published in 2026.
If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact: [email protected].
Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of services in Herefordshire – please take a few minutes to have your say.