Like local authorities across the country, Amber Valley Borough Council is facing extreme pressures on our budgets due to a variety of factors outside of our control.
The Local Government Finance Settlement reveals that most of the 164 district councils, which represent 20 million people, are likely to get little or no real‑terms rise in funding in 2026–27. As the settlement covers the next three years, whilst this does provide better planning opportunities, it also locks in the lower levels of funding.
District councils – which provide many of the most visible local services, including housing, waste collection and the introduction of a new food waste collection service, street cleaning, parks and leisure centres for 20 million people – will see a reduction in funding due to changes to the way the government determines how funding is distributed. District councils have already faced a real‑terms funding cut of 21% between 2010/11 and 2024/25.
Amber Valley Borough Council is proposing a responsible, balanced budget for the next financial year, as the national financial position for the local government sector continues to remain extremely challenging.
The Government has begun consultation on possible reform of the sector through Local Government Reform, which, if implemented, will result in the abolition of the Council along with all other district, borough, city and county councils. This creates significant uncertainty for Amber Valley in its medium‑term planning.
It is within this context that we are seeking your views. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete, and your views will help shape our services in the future. The Budget Proposal report, which was approved by Cabinet on the 18 February, provides further details on the financial requirements and the uncertainties caused by changes to funding methodologies.
Amber Valley Borough Council has not finalised any proposals in relation to council tax for next year (2026–27). Cabinet has recommended an increase of 2.99%, which is an increase of £5.92 per year on a Band D property. Council will decide upon the level of increase at its budget‑setting meeting in March.
Central Government sets the level of business rates that businesses in the borough pay. Amber Valley Borough Council collects this money, but we have no influence over the amount that is charged.
The survey is available online at Budget consultation survey and is open from 19–25 February.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
