Waverley Borough Council has agreed a balanced budget for 2026/27, protecting essential services while continuing to invest in communities despite ongoing financial pressures facing local government.
The council’s Medium-term Financial Plan also confirms a balanced position for 2027/28, making Waverley one of only two councils in Surrey, alongside Guildford, to secure a balanced budget for the next two years.
At the council meeting on 25 February, members approved a 2.99% increase in the Waverley element of Council Tax. This equates to £6.39 per year for a Band D property, around 12p per week, setting the borough council charge at £220.25.
Although Waverley collects Council Tax on behalf of Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and town and parish councils, it retains only a small proportion of the overall bill to fund services such as waste and recycling, housing support, environmental services and parks.
Importantly, the budget has been delivered without cuts to frontline services.
To support town centre businesses and visitors, the council has agreed that, for the next two years, parking charges at Brightwells Car Park will be aligned with Waggon Yard Car Park, ensuring a consistent and competitive approach to parking in Farnham.
The budget also includes £0.5m for car park repairs and upgrades.
The council has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the borough’s future through a robust capital programme. The approved budget allocates £6.5 million for new capital projects and £14 million to progress existing approved schemes, supporting the delivery of modern infrastructure, improved facilities and long-term benefits for communities across the borough.
An additional £150,000 has been allocated to the Thriving Communities Fund, providing further support to voluntary and community organisations that deliver essential local services and contribute to building resilient, inclusive communities.
The council will continue its Council Tax Support Scheme for lower-income households and has approved a one-year trial of free parking for Blue Badge holders, while retaining free Sunday parking in council-owned car parks.
This is expected to be Waverley Borough Council’s final annual budget before the creation of a new West Surrey unitary authority in 2027/28. The Medium-term Financial Plan confirms the council remains financially stable and resilient as it prepares for the transition.
Councillor Mark Merryweather, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Property, said:
“Setting a balanced budget for the next two years in the current climate is a significant achievement, and we have worked hard to protect the services residents rely on while continuing to invest in our borough.
“We are strengthening organisational resilience by improving governance, investing in modern systems and working more efficiently through our shared partnership with Guildford Borough Council. This collaborative approach is improving value for money and ensuring our services remain robust and responsive.
“Thousands of residents have helped shape key decisions through consultation over the past year, and alongside improved technology and customer systems, we are building a more transparent, responsive and forward-looking council.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication and professionalism of our officers. I am particularly proud that our Finance Team has been shortlisted for a national MJ Award, recognising the strong financial stewardship and innovation that underpin our long-term resilience.
“We remain financially stable, well prepared for local government reorganisation, and focused on delivering high-quality services for our communities.”