Council Delivers Balanced Budget, call for cost-saving local government reform

Norfolk County Council has agreed a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, despite facing significant financial pressures. 

The budget, which was agreed at the full council meeting, was presented by deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, Councillor Andrew Jamieson. 

He emphasised the council's dedication to maintaining stable and sustainable finances while delivering essential public services.  

"We have had to make difficult decisions to ensure a robust and balanced budget, particularly in light of increased demand for our services." 

"The abolition of the Rural Services Delivery Grant and the increase in National Insurance have added to our financial pressures, but we remain committed to delivering high-quality services to the people of Norfolk." 

"We continue to see significant growth in demand for our services, particularly in adult social care and SEND, where there are systemic issues at a national level that haven't been addressed." 

"It also underscores the need for an effective and efficient structure under local government reform. Any proposal for the future of local government in Norfolk will need a credible plan to save taxpayers money - without fragmenting essential services." 

Norfolk was recently accepted onto the Devolution Priority Program which would see additional money and powers coming to the region. 

Councillor Jamieson added: 

"Devolution gives us the key to grow the economy, provide high wage jobs and greater aspiration for future Norfolk generations. If done right, a new unitary system supporting a new strategic authority will deliver tens of millions of additional investment and save tens of millions in the delivery of services." 

Key facts and figures from Norfolk County Council Budget

• Gross budget: Norfolk County Council has a gross expenditure budget of £2.2 billion (£1.7 billion excluding schools)
  •  We spend over £700 million in Adult Social Care, £367m in Children's Services (non-schools), £283m in Infrastructure, £44m in Communities and Environment and £46m in Fire. 
• Net Budget: The Council has a net budget for 2025-26 of £572m. This is the amount we raise in Council Tax to fund the services we provide. 
  • Budget growth: The 2025-26 budget provides growth of £121m, including  
• £31m of inflationary pressures 
  • £35m Legislative pressures (including increase in National Living Wage) and the cost of increased Employers National Insurance 
• £15m demand and demographic pressures 
  • Budget growth of over £25m to fund recurrent 2024-25 overspends in Adult and Children's Services. 
• Funding and savings: At the same time as £121m cost pressures, funding has only increased by £32m. Government has abolished Rural Services Delivery Grant and diverted funding from rural areas to metropolitan areas. To balance the position, the 2025-26 budget includes savings of £45m. 
  • Council tax: For 2025-26, an increase of 4.99%, including an increase of 3% for general council tax, and 2% for the Adult Social Care precept.  
  • A Band D household will pay £1,755.63 per year, or approximately £34 a week, for County Council services in 2025-26.   

Norfolk County Council 2025-26 council tax bands: 

• A - £1,170.42 
• B - £1,365.49 
• C - £1,560.56 
• D - £1,755.63 
• E - £2,145.77 
• F - £2,535.91 
• G - £2,926.05 
• H - £3,511.26