District residents are now being asked for their views on Stratford-on-Avon District Council's proposed budget for the next five years, which includes a set of growth proposals designed to address statutory obligations, strengthen organisational capacity, support vulnerable communities, and progress key strategic priorities.
The District Council's Cabinet approved public consultation on the proposals for the next five years from 2026/27 to 2030/31 at its meeting on Monday 19 January.
Have your say
The District Council is seeking your views and suggestions and invite you to complete the survey below.
The budget consultation is now live: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/budgetconsultation2026
Deadline for the consultation is Tuesday 3 February.
Cllr David Curtis, Resources Portfolio said: "This budget continues the Council's commitment to support our most vulnerable residents and rural communities, and there are additional opportunities and support for young people, children and parents. Economic Development is championed, and the Council maintains its commitment to tackling the impact of Climate Change on our communities."
Following the consultation with residents, businesses and the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the findings will be considered by The Cabinet on Monday 9 February before being presented to the Full Council meeting on 23 February for final ratification.
Despite Local Government Reorganisation, which will result in the abolition of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, anticipated for 1 April 2028, the District Council will maintain its existing budgeting arrangements for 2026/27.
Once the date is confirmed, it will have a significant impact on the District Council's budgeting arrangements and will influence how next year's budget is prepared.
Cllr Curtis continued: "With this budget this Council supports Economic Development, our rural communities and vulnerable residents. We are creating additional opportunities for young people and families and our commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change continues."
As part of the budget the following schemes are proposed to be funded:
- Gateway Clearance & Development - £1,500,000 (one-off) Funds site clearance and temporary car parking works to avoid ongoing business rates.
- South Warwickshire Place Partnership Board - £20,000 (one-off) To deliver local health inequality priorities.
- Procurement Officer - £42,000 (ongoing) Required due to workload from the Procurement Act 2023.
- Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Capacity - £1,000,000 (one-off) Temporary staffing for Legal, Finance and HR to meet increased workload once the LGR timetable is set.
- Climate Change Fund - £500,000 (one-off) Fifth consecutive year of funding for local climate initiatives.
- Shakespeare's England - £25,000 (over 2 years) To continue support until new arrangements are confirmed.
- High Street Pedestrianisation - £326,000 (one-off) Proposed 12?month pedestrianisation scheme (previous 2025/26 pilot unable to proceed).
- Neighbourhood Development Plans - £100,000 (over 3 years) Supports parish councils to produce up to 10 plans per year.
- Biodiversity Net Gain - £31,000 (ongoing) To meet statutory BNG reporting duties.
- Housing Land Supply - £500,000 (one-off) Funds staff capacity to process an increased volume of planning applications.
- Upper Lighthorne Parenting Project - £20,000 (one-off) Supports wellbeing work with families and schools.
- VASA Volunteer Driver Scheme - £12,000 (for 3 years) Supports transport for older and mobility impaired residents.
- Veterans Healthcare & Development Officer - £8,000 (for 2 years) Contribution to veterans support services.
- Communities & Social Inclusion Enabler - £24,000 (2026/27), then £59,000 ongoing Continues work on social exclusion and community cohesion.
- Private Sector Compliance & Support Officer - £39,000 first year, £40,000 ongoing Ensures legislative compliance of temporary accommodation and related housing.
- Youth Work Catalyst Project - £41,000 (over 3 years) Supports youth engagement and anti-social behaviour work.
- Private Sector Housing Officer - £52,000 (for 2 years) Supports reforms and compliance relating to renters, supported housing, energy efficiency and empty homes.
- Revenues System Lead - £52,000 (for 2 years) System specialist to manage the Civica platform.
- Welfare Officer - £47,000 (for 2 years) Supports vulnerable residents to avoid unmanageable debt.
- Housing to Rent - £1,000,000 (one-off) To secure additional social housing units and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation.
- Cost of Living Crisis Mitigation Fund - £250,000 (one-off) Adds to projected £250,000 rollover to create a £500,000 hardship support fund.
- Legal Team - £97,000 (ongoing) Funds litigation lawyers and paralegals to meet increased demand (shared with Warwick DC).
- Community Safety Team Leader - £57,000 (for 2 years) Manages community safety operations.
- Prevent Officer - £6,000 (for 2 years) Contribution to partnership Prevent Officer to meet statutory duties.
- Rural Crime Advisors - £52,000 (ongoing) Part-funding for roles supporting statutory responsibilities under the Crime & Disorder Act.
- Maintenance Officer - £47,000 (ongoing) Provides in-house maintenance for council buildings and assets.
- Extension of Natural Play Cycle Area - £150,000 (one-off) Expands well used cycle play area.
- Refurbishment of Shottery Fields Play Equipment - £100,000 (one-off) Replaces ageing equipment and improves inclusivity.
The budget also proposes an increase to Council Tax of 2.99% for 2026/27 which an average home represents just an additional 42p per month to the District Council next year. The Band D rate proposed will now be £174.17 for 2026/27.
Stratford-on-Avon remains a low-taxing authority, 18th lowest out of 164 district councils across the country in 2025/26.
