Sutton Council has today published its draft budget for 2026-27 ahead of consideration by Councillors of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 16 February 2026.

Key headlines from the budget report include: 

• Balanced budget: Despite the huge amount of pressure on the Council’s finances the Council will set a balanced budget for 2026/27. 
• Government cuts: The government’s latest funding review has cut Sutton’s funding by 10.6%. By 2028/29 the Council will have a budget gap of £34 million. In addition, the amount of money the Council receives from the government for funding essential services for adult and children’s social care and people who find themselves homeless continues to fall significantly below demand. 
• Investing in the future: Despite the challenges, the Council will continue to invest in local neighbourhoods including improvement to roads, schools, housing, parks and open spaces. 

Commenting on the proposed budget, Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Finance said: “The government’s latest funding review is neither fair nor sustainable. It has resulted in significant cuts to Sutton’s funding. At the same time the amount of money the Council receives from the government for essential services for adult and children’s social care and homelessness support is not keeping up with the demand.

“The government is aware of this; rather than funding these services properly, they have left us in a position where the only way we can raise money for these essential services is to put Council tax up by the maximum amount. This budget, in line with government assumptions, therefore proposes a 2.99% council tax to protect services and a 2% adult social care charge this year. This equates to an increase of £1.71 per week for a Band D household.

“This unfair tax burden is falling on residents, when it is the government that should be finding the solutions to fund services properly. Alongside this, Sutton will still deliver £13 million in savings this year to protect frontline services.

“Through careful financial management, the Council will meet its legal duty and deliver a balanced budget.”