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Council Tax 2026 to 2027

How your money is spent

We have set our budget for the next financial year (2026 to 2027). The budget ensures that we can continue to:

  • deliver services that support residents most in need
  • enhance our local communities
  • improve people’s everyday lives

This year, the financial challenge is significant. Surrey will see a £50 million reduction in Government funding next year – the largest reduction faced by any council under the national Fair Funding Review. At the same time, the cost of delivering services continues to rise.

The budget was approved at Full Council on Tuesday 3 February 2026. Councillors have approved a 4.99% Council Tax increase (including the Adult Social Care Precept). For an average Band D household, this is £1.77 per week.

We know many households are under financial pressure, and we do not take decisions to increase Council Tax lightly. During our consultation, residents told us they were concerned about the impact on household budgets but also recognised the importance of protecting vital frontline services.

Our priorities

Over two‑thirds of our spending continues to support adults’ and children’s services – including care for older residents, support for people with disabilities or complex needs, and services for children, young people and families. We are also committed to:

  • maintaining Surrey’s roads and transport network
  • keeping libraries, culture and community spaces accessible
  • protecting our countryside and environment
  • supporting day‑to‑day services that help life run smoothly
  • ensuring Surrey Fire and Rescue Service can continue responding quickly and keeping communities safe

We’ll continue making efficiencies, focusing on prevention and early support, and managing our resources carefully to protect services.

Our investments

Alongside day‑to‑day services, we are investing £297 million to improve facilities and infrastructure across the county. This includes:

  • new SEND units in mainstream schools and additional school places
  • modernised care accommodation to support independent living
  • a new short breaks centre for adults with additional needs
  • ongoing library refurbishments to create welcoming community hubs
  • upgrades to fire stations and key council buildings
  • enhanced highways maintenance and flood alleviation schemes

How your money is spent

For an average Band D household (£1,938.42 per year)*:

  • Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships: £813.54
  • Children, Families & Lifelong Learning: £502.55
  • Place: £263.07
  • Community Protection & Emergencies: £79.16
  • Resources: £168.99
  • Central Income & Expenditure: £111.11

*For illustrative purposes, this represents the total budget split by the Surrey County Council portion of Band D Council Tax value. Some areas are funded by specific restricted grants, which are not reflected here.

Please note: figures refer to the Surrey County Council element of Council Tax and exclude other precepts (e.g. Police and District/Borough).

Help and advice

There is help available if you need support with any aspect of your home finance or budgeting.

For advice and guidance on paying your council tax, contact your local district or borough council to see if you are eligible for a discount or exemption.

Further advice about local and national support can be found on our cost of living pages.

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