Monmouthshire County Council has approved a outcome focused budget following a Full Council meeting on Thursday, 05 March 2026, setting out how the authority will continue to invest in communities and deliver key services for residents in the year ahead.
For 2026–27, the council is planning a budget of £230 million, funded through a combination of Welsh Government grant, council tax, fees and charges. The budget has been shaped to support long-term sustainability while investing in priority areas that matter most to local communities.
This growth budget reflects extensive public and stakeholder engagement, with feedback gathered through consultation activities, engagement sessions and scrutiny. This feedback has played a key role in informing final decisions and ensuring investment is targeted where it will make the greatest difference for residents across the county.
As part of this approach, the council has committed to additional long-term investment in local infrastructure. Following consultation on the draft budget between 22 January and 18 February, an additional £2 million in highways capital funding above the proposed £5.5 million that was built into the draft budget will be invested over three years to improve the condition of the county’s road network, supporting longer-term, targeted action on potholes alongside highways projects.
The budget includes an extra £1 million for education above inflation, delivering a £96 per‑pupil increase for local schools to help meet rising costs and support attendance and attainment. Targeted funding will support children and young people with Additional Learning Needs, enabling learners with complex needs to remain in their local schools. Investment will also fund the programmes for young people not in education, employment or training, and strengthen the counties’ Welsh‑language education.
The council will invest an additional £1 million in social care, above rising service costs, to meet growing and more complex demand. This will support both adult and children’s services, strengthen community‑based care, and help people receive support closer to home. The investment will focus on reablement to help adults remain independent, earlier support for families, and the maintenance of in‑house children’s services to ensure vulnerable children receive the right care.
Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: “Setting a balanced budget in the current financial climate is extremely challenging, but this is a growth budget that reflects our commitment to investing in our communities. By listening to residents and stakeholders, we are making targeted decisions that protect vital services today while supporting the county’s future.”
“This budget reflects the views we have heard and our shared ambition to continue delivering what matters most to people across Monmouthshire.”
To support continued investment and protect key services, the council has agreed a council tax increase of 5.95%.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Ben Callard, said: “Our number one priority throughout the process has been striking the right balance. The decision to increase council tax has not been taken lightly, but it will help us invest in communities, protect essential services and support the county’s long-term growth.”
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation and help shape this budget.”
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