RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on the council's spending, after plans were revealed to increase council tax by 10p.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has launched a public consultation on its budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year, following agreement by the council’s cabinet on 11 November.
The plans outline funding for services from April 2026 and include measures to strengthen frontline delivery.
Co-leader and cabinet member for finance and property, Cllr Gavin James, said: "In the last two years we have taken the decision to put extra funding into the services that we know make a real difference to how people feel about where they live.
"At a time when many other councils are having to cut their services, we are not only continuing with this investment but actively looking at ways we can improve our services all the time.
"This investment is paying off and we are seeing the difference that these decisions are making on issues that matter most to our residents.
"From the work of our Make a Difference teams to keep our spaces clean and tidy, protecting vital services for those at risk of homelessness through our refurbishment of May Place House, funding support for community transport and much more, we are driving positive change.
"That is why our proposals for next year’s budget include funding to allow us to continue this important work."
For the past two years, an additional £750,000 has been allocated annually for targeted improvements to street cleanliness and the upkeep of parks and open spaces.
Building on this, the council is proposing further investment in these areas, including the introduction of a dedicated jet washing service.
The new service follows the success of deep cleaning efforts in the town centre and other parts of the borough.
Additional funding is also being considered for the planning department, to improve the coordination of infrastructure delivery, funding collection, and the investigation of planning breaches.
In line with its commitment to improving customer experience, the council is proposing investment in technology to improve responsiveness and service quality.
Capital budget plans are also being developed, with proposals including further investment in sports pitches and facilities at Down Grange Sports Complex, improvements to other tennis and netball courts across the borough, and upgrades to community facilities.
To help fund these services, the council is proposing a council tax increase of 10p per week, bringing the borough’s share of council tax to £151.42 per year for the average household.
This would keep Basingstoke and Deane among the lowest council tax rates in Hampshire and across the country.
Charges for additional services, including car parking, are also set to rise by an average of three per cent to reflect increased delivery costs.
Cllr James said: "While we continue to be able to invest in our services, we need to continue to manage our resources carefully to address a £490,000 budget gap identified in 2028/29.
"To sustain this investment while making it as fair as we can for the tax payer and those who use our additional services, we are proposing a small rise in council tax and our fees and charges.
"The feedback that we get from residents form the basis of our budget planning every year but we want to make sure that our proposals for the 2026/27 budget continue to reflect what matters most to communities.
"We want residents, businesses and community organisations to share their views to shape our final proposals which will be considered in February."
The public consultation is open until Sunday, January 4, 2026.
More information and a link to the survey can be found at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/budget2026.
Final budget decisions will be considered in February.
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