People who live or work in Torbay are being reminded to have their say on Torbay Council's spending plans.

Our Cabinet has published its revenue and capital budget proposals for 2026/27 and consultation is now taking place.

In publishing the budget proposals for the next financial year, Cabinet’s approach follows the same fundamentals as last year – focusing on the ongoing and estimated revenue pressures and delivering against financial sustainability plans and the Capital Investment Plan.

It also ensures investment is put into services which make a difference to residents and visitors. People are now invited to have their say on the budget proposals in a consultation running until midnight on Sunday 18 January 2026.

We have remained in a secure financial position for a number of years. This has been achieved through robust financial management and decision making. As a result, there are relatively few changes in this year’s budget.

There are no substantive cuts to any services and funding will be directed to offset inflationary increases and address a small number of areas where significant pressures are being forecast in 2025/26 and are expected in 2026/27.

We currently delivers services worth £420million and will continue to use our resources to best effects. This will include investing in services and ensuring that residents are put at the heart of everything we do.

This draft budget is proposing to increase Council Tax this year. There is an expectation from central Government that unitary councils like us will be increasing their council tax. This is built into their formula and calculation that agrees how much money we will be getting in the financial settlement. And like any business or organisation, the cost-of-living and rise in pay and costs continue to have a significant impact on the Council as a whole.

The rate Government is expecting us to increase Council Tax is 4.99% - 2% is the levy for Adult Social Care and can only be spent in this area, with 2.99% expected for other services.

Cabinet though have decided, as they have for the last two years, to only increase by 2.75% - which makes the total Council Tax increase 4.75%.

As always, this isn’t a decision that has been taken lightly. The income from Council Tax though is vital and supports the services that we deliver and that are valued by the community.

Each 1% increase in Council Tax generates approximately £950,000 of income and it is the only means that we have to raise additional funding for place-based and housing services.

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, and Cllr Alan Tyerman, Cabinet Member for Finance, said in a joint statement: “Despite the challenges, we believe we are delivering for the people of Torbay as we promised to do. With you, our residents, at the heart of everything we do, we want to hear your thoughts. Along with your feedback, the confirmation of the Government settlement and feedback from members of the Council, this will help us to set a balanced budget for 2026/2027 and provide a sustainable financial future for Torbay Council.”

The detailed budget proposals and link to the consultation are available on our budget webpage.

The consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 18 January 2026. Paper copies of the consultation questionnaire are available in the main libraries across the Bay. Anyone who wants a copy of the consultation in another format or a printed version should email engagement@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 201201.