- 642 residents shared their views on how Tamworth Borough Council should prioritise spending over the coming years
- Strong support for increased investment in tackling antisocial behaviour, improving Tamworth maintaining parks and public spaces
- Climate change initiatives, assembly rooms and events and customer services most identified as areas to reduce spending
Tamworth Borough Council has thanked residents, businesses and community groups for taking part in this year’s annual budget consultation survey — a vital tool in shaping how millions of pounds will be spent on local services in the years ahead.
The survey was live from 9 September to 20 October, inviting people to have their say on how council tax, where 10p in every £1 collected funds Tamworth Borough Council services, is allocated across key areas such as waste and recycling, environmental health, community safety, parks, open spaces and cemeteries, economic growth and business support, leisure and culture, and climate initiatives.
A total of 642 responses were received, generating valuable insights, with responses offering clear feedback on what services are important to residents. Using consistent question format year-on-year, the survey enables meaningful comparison over time and helps identify emerging trends in public priorities.
The council’s latest financial forecasts confirm funding from government is reducing while costs are increasing, so saving money and reducing costs is a priority. There are also new financial pressures that will affect budgeting decisions for the coming years
In addition, higher operational costs, funding uncertainties, and growing pressure on frontline services mean the council must make difficult and informed decisions on where to invest and where to find efficiencies. Resident input is vital in helping to prioritise essential services for protection.
The results reveal clear resident priorities. Respondents showed strong support for increased spending and focus on tackling antisocial behaviour, improving the overall condition of Tamworth, and maintaining parks and public spaces.
The most frequently identified areas for potential reductions in spending were tackling climate change, the Assembly Rooms and outdoor events, and customer services.
Feedback from the consultation plays a direct role in shaping elected members’ decisions on budget allocation and expenditure, ensuring community voices help guide financial planning for 2026/27 and beyond.
Stephen Gabriel, chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council, said: "We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their opinions. These insights give a clearer understanding of what resident’s value most; from keeping our streets safe and clean, to maintaining public spaces and supporting vulnerable people.
“With financial pressures increasing, your feedback will help councillors make spending and savings decisions."
What happens next?
Councillors will use the survey feedback alongside updated financial forecasts to help shape the 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial strategy.
These findings will contribute to discussions by cabinet, scrutiny, and the leader’s budget workshop, with final budget proposals due to be presented in early 2026.
Notes:
The money Tamworth Borough Council collects from council tax pays for services such as:
- Waste collection and recycling
- Parks and green spaces, including grassed areas across the borough
- Cemeteries and burial services
- Street cleansing and emptying litter bins
- Support for those that are homeless
- Environmental health, including taxi licensing and food premises inspections
- Economic growth and regeneration, including business development support for local businesses
- Leisure and tourism services, including sports pitches, outdoor events, Tamworth Assembly Rooms and Tamworth Castle
- Work with police, fire and community voluntary sector to support the most vulnerable and help Tamworth become a safer place to live
- Planning and building control
- Collection of council tax and business rates
- Elections (local when you elect your local councillor, your county councillors and national when you elect your MP)
See the full finding report at: Draft Base Budget Forecasts 202627 To 203031.pdf
For more information on budget planning, council services, or to read the full consultation findings, visit www.tamworth.gov.uk/consultation.