Royal Borough Of Windsor and Maidenhead has launched its 2026/27 budget consultation. We would be grateful if you could complete the consultation, to share your views on our proposed budget. We would also be grateful if you could raise awareness of the consultation, to ensure residents and businesses have their opportunity to participate.

The draft budget sets out how the council plans to balance the need for financial sustainability, continued government support, and investment in essential services, while responding to rising demand and ongoing national funding pressures.

This year’s budget reflects the significant progress the Royal Borough has made since 2023 in strengthening financial governance and transforming services. The council is currently on track to deliver £6m in savings in 2025/26.

However, the council continues to face challenges including increasing demand for adult and children’s social care, housing pressures and very low council tax income compared with other local authorities.

In addition, changes to the way government funds local councils is expected to leave the Royal Borough among the biggest funding losers, reinforcing the need for continued government support to protect frontline services and community assets. As a result, the Royal Borough currently faces an annual £51m budget gap for 2026/27. 

These proposals aim to strike a balance between making responsible savings and investing in services and places that support residents and the wider local area. The consultation gives people the opportunity to comment on these priorities and help shape how limited resources are used.

The consultation is live until Sunday 1 February 2026. All feedback received will be carefully considered and reported to Cabinet in February 2026, ahead of the final budget being put to Council for agreement in March.