Stoke-on-Trent Council publishes draft 2026 budget – what residents need to know

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has published its draft budget for 2026–27, setting out how it plans to focus limited resources on the issues residents say matter most, while continuing to stabilise finances after years of sustained pressure.

Despite facing rising costs, particularly in social care, and the long-term impact of austerity, which has reduced spending power by around 25 per cent, the council says the proposed budget protects front-line services and key projects that support local people.

Protecting Vulnerable Residents

A central pillar of the budget is the continuation of the Money MOT scheme. To date, the program has helped approximately 8,000 residents access £4.2 million in unclaimed benefits. Although some external funding streams are ending, the council has committed to maintaining this lifeline.

Neighbourhood and Infrastructure Priorities

The draft budget reflects a shift toward tackling immediate neighbourhood concerns:

• Environmental Crime: Increased funding to combat fly-tipping and environmental offenses.
• Housing: A goal to double the number of empty homes brought back into use as affordable housing.
• Flood Prevention: Stepped-up gully cleaning and drainage work.
• Transport: Utilizing £33 million in government funding for bus shelter upgrades and "tap-on, tap-off" ticketing.
• Roads: Continued focus on maintenance following a year that saw 22,000 potholes repaired—an 80 per cent increase over the previous year.

Heritage and Transformation

The council's capital programme remains focused on the city’s identity, with safeguarding plans for the Wedgwood Institute and Chatterley Whitfield, alongside ongoing regeneration at the Spode site.

Internally, a major digital transformation is underway. The council aims to use AI and modern technology to streamline services, while simultaneously reducing reliance on expensive agency and interim staff to cut costs.

Council Tax and Financial Support

The draft budget includes a proposed council tax increase of 4.99 per cent. The council noted that while this is in line with national trends, Stoke-on-Trent’s average bill remains the lowest in Staffordshire.

The authority will also seek £10.5 million in exceptional financial support from the government, a decrease from the £16.8 million required in the previous financial year, signalling a move toward greater financial stability.

“We listen to what people tell us is important – which is why we are providing more money to tackle fly-tipping, gulley cleaning and the blight of empty homes. Our community first approach... will put the emphasis firmly on addressing the root causes of deprivation, family breakdown and low achievement.”

— Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council

How to Have Your Say

The public consultation on the draft budget is open until 9 February. Residents are encouraged to participate via the following methods:

• Online: stoke.gov.uk/budget2026
• By Mail: Budget 2026, c/o Executive Assistant to the Corporate Director of Resources, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke, ST4 1HH.