Council sets out 4.99% tax rise in budget

Council tax bills in Surrey could rise by 4.99% next year under plans in the new budget.

Surrey County Council (SCC) said the increase - the maximum permitted - is part of what it described as a "balanced" but highly "challenging" 2026/27 budget.

The authority said its government funding will fall by more than £50m next year under the Fair Funding Review, a change it claims negatively impacts Surrey harder than any other area.

The Department for Local Government has been approached for comment.

SCC said the 4.99% increase would "help make up the shortfall and protect essential services".

The budget will be considered by cabinet on 27 January and by full council on 3 February.

SCC said its priority remains to protect the services that matter most to residents.

The budget includes capital investment of £297m for the next financial year.

This includes investment in new SEN units in mainstream schools, expanding school places and an enhanced programme of highways maintenance.

Council leader Tim Oliver said: "This is one of the most challenging financial periods we've faced.

"We are proposing a balanced budget for 2026/27 and remain on track to finish this year in balance as well, which is a remarkable achievement in the current context.

"Our focus is to protect the services residents rely on, while continuing the strong financial discipline Surrey has shown in recent years and building a stable financial foundation for the new councils in April 2027."

This will be the final SCC budget before the transition to two new unitary authorities in April 2027.

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