Sandwell Council launches public consultation on budget plans

The council currently spends more than £1billion annually delivering services across the borough. Officials report that financial pressures stem from inflation, rising service costs and increased demand, particularly within social care and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

Investment and Savings Proposals

The draft strategy sets out £37.7million of proposed investment in services for the 2027/28 financial year. This includes an additional £20million earmarked for adult and children's social care, alongside £8million allocated for SEND home-to-school transport.

To meet its legal obligation to set a balanced budget, the strategy also includes a series of savings and income generation proposals. The consultation seeks public opinion on these potential savings, areas for further investment and the possible impacts of any service changes.

Councillor Gary Dale, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, noted the authority's focus on efficiency and public priorities. The council aims to direct increased funding towards social care for older, disabled and vulnerable residents, alongside priorities such as addressing anti-social behaviour, stopping fly-tipping, closing illegal shops, improving high street safety and tackling nuisance properties with multiple households.

Next Steps

Feedback gathered during the consultation period will be used to shape the final budget proposals. These final plans will be reviewed by the Cabinet on 3 February 2027 before being submitted to Full Council for consideration on 23 February 2027.