Changes to the way councils are funded will see Buckinghamshire lose £44.4million by 2028/29 under ‘council tax equalisation’, which redistributes money away from areas with higher tax bases. Without yearly council tax rises, Bucks council officers warn its day-to-day services budget would drop by about £30million, rather than increase. Adult and children’s social care, home-to-school transport and support for pupils with special educational needs remain the biggest cost pressures. Alongside the revenue budget, a £628million capital programme - ie, money for larger scale projects - is proposed for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The high needs block, which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities, is forecast to remain in deficit.

Source: Express February 11, 2026 16:57 UTC