Balanced Draft Cornwall Council Budget for 2026/27 Opens for Consultation

A balanced draft budget for Cornwall covering 2026/27 has been agreed for public consultation after being considered by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet committee this morning.

The proposals set out planned investment in services described as critical for residents, alongside significant savings through changes to how the council works.

Where the money would be spent

According to the draft budget, proposed investment for 2026/27 includes:

• Over £36m for Together for Families services, addressing the expected overspend in 2025/26 while also providing additional funding

• Over £37m to continue transforming adult social care, with a focus on delivering care in the right place at the right time

• £8m to protect core frontline services, including waste and regulatory services

• £9m to support transport, housing, economic growth and environmental services across Cornwall

• £3m to invest in and improve fire service capability

What the council says

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Adam Paynter, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for resources, said:

“Today, despite an incredibly challenging financial backdrop and a continuing rise in demand for the services Cornwall Council provides, we are presenting a balanced and responsible draft budget, for public consultation.”

Adam said the plans are focused on protecting key services while recognising the financial pressures facing Cornwall.

“It is a draft budget and Medium-Term Financial plan that is honest about the pressures Cornwall faces but firmly focused on the future, protecting the services our residents rely on most.”

He also highlighted that this is the first time in ten years that local authorities have received a multi-year financial settlement from Government.

“For the first time in a decade, Government has provided local authorities with a multi-year financial settlement. We have used this opportunity to produce Cornwall’s first Comprehensive Spending Review, including a draft budget which is balanced over every year of the three years of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.”

“This is a major turning point for Cornwall Council. It gives us stability, it allows us to plan ahead, and it will help us continually improve our services, so they will be more efficient and more responsive to people’s needs.”

Savings and efficiencies

Alongside the proposed investment, the draft budget includes plans to reduce spending through efficiencies and modernising working practices.

Adam said the council is proposing savings of around £50m in 2026/27, rising to a total of £133m over the three-year period.

“These savings will come from adapting and improving the way we work, from generating more income where appropriate, and from transforming the way services are delivered.”

He added that the savings are not expected to come from gradual reductions to frontline services, but from changes to how services are designed and delivered, including greater use of data and technology.

Have your say

The draft budget will be open for public consultation from Sunday 29th December to Monday 27th January.

Residents will be able to read more about the plans and share their views via the council’s consultation website at letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk.

A recording of the Cabinet meeting is also available through the council’s webcast archive service.