Press Release
Slough Borough Council Approves Balanced Budget for 2025/26
Friday, 7th March 2025 – Slough, UK – Slough Borough Council has successfully approved its £175.727 million balanced General Fund budget for the 2025/26 financial year, following the final stage of the annual budget-setting process at last night's Full Council meeting (Thursday).
The net budget for 2025/26 allocates funding across key directorates and essential services, ensuring continued investment in the borough’s growth, infrastructure, and well-being. Key allocations include:
- £46.855 million for Adult Services – covering discharge, reablement and independence, mental health, safeguarding, and commissioning.
- £12.037 million for Children’s Services – supporting school admissions, attendance, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), early years, children’s centres, and libraries.
- £38.353 million for Slough Children First – focusing on fostering and adoption, early help, children in care, youth justice, and exploitation support.
- £21.015 million for Regeneration, Housing & Environment – funding property management, refuse and recycling, road maintenance, parks and open spaces, housing, and economic development.
- £1.302 million for Public Health & Public Protection – supporting public health initiatives, leisure services, and community safety.
- £2.800 million for the Chief Executive’s Office – covering customer services, corporate communications, complaints, and strategic programmes.
- £2.099 million for Law & Governance – funding electoral services, legal services, democratic processes, and registrar services.
- £14.894 million for Corporate Services – overseeing finance, procurement, council tax and benefits, digital services, and audit functions.
The total service budget stands at £139.355 million, with the remaining funds allocated for corporate budgets, including capital financing.
Council Tax & Charges Updates
To ensure financial sustainability, the council has approved a 4.99% increase in its share of council tax, equating to an additional £91.40 per year for Band D properties, bringing the total to £1,923.09 per year, excluding precepts for Police, Fire, and parishes.
Additionally, certain fees and charges will see a moderate increase to align with inflation and service costs. These include:
- Room hire at community centres
- Sports pitch hire
- Cremation and burial services
- Dropped crossings
However, several charges remain unchanged, including fees for memorial renewals at Slough Crematorium, bulky waste collection, resident parking vouchers, visitor permits, and access bar markings.
Council Leadership Remarks
Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of Slough Borough Council, stated:
“There was a healthy debate around the budget and its impact on our residents. We are pleased to have delivered a balanced budget that ensures essential services are maintained while reinforcing financial responsibility across the council. This budget reflects our commitment to effective management, sensible investment, and a sustainable future for Slough.”
Next Steps & Council Tax Support
The budget will take effect from 1 April 2025, with council tax letters outlining the updated charges being sent out shortly.
A new Council Tax Support Hardship Policy will be reviewed by Cabinet on 17 March, ensuring continued support for those in financial need. Eligible residents can access the updated application form and criteria from 1 April on the Slough Borough Council website.
For further details, please visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/
