Council launches consultation on draft Business Plan and Budget

Residents are being invited to share their views on Fenland District Council's draft Business Plan and Budget, to help shape the Council's priorities and spending plans for the year ahead.

The draft Business Plan and Budget for 2026/27 set out how the Council will continue delivering key services and investing in the district, despite ongoing financial pressures across local government.

A key feature of the draft Budget is the proposal for no rise in the Council's element of the Council Tax bill for the eighth-year running, reflecting members' continued commitment to supporting residents amid rising living costs.

Alongside this, the draft Business Plan outlines a range of new projects and investments aimed at supporting economic growth, enhancing sports, leisure, and heritage facilities and strengthening communities, whilst ensuring the Council remains financially stable.

A budget report before Fenland's Cabinet last month said the Council is currently facing a projected budget shortfall, like many councils across the country, driven by rising costs, significant uncertainly around future funding, new legislation and local government reorganisation (LGR).

However, Cabinet members remained confident that the Council's track record of financial planning will not only support efforts to reduce the shortfall but allow it to continue to deliver and invest.

Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "Local government finances remain under considerable pressure, but careful and responsible financial management in Fenland means we are well placed to respond to these challenges. Proposing a freeze in our share of council tax for the eighth year running shows our determination to support residents, while still delivering the projects and services that matter most. Our draft Business Plan and Budget consultation is an important opportunity for people to share their views and help shape our plans for the year ahead."

Have your say

The consultation runs from Monday 5 January until Sunday 1 February.

To read both the draft Business Plan and Budget, and share your views online, visit: Your Views 2026: Draft Business Plan and Budget Consultation

Paper copies of the documents and consultation will also be available to view, without an appointment, at the Council's Customer Services Centres at:

• South Fens Business Centre, Fenton Way, Chatteris, PE16 6TT
• Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ
• The Boathouse Business Centre, Harbour Square, Nene Parade, Wisbech, PE13 3BH

Paper copies are also available on request by phoning the Council's Contact Centre on 01354 654321.

Feedback received during the consultation will be considered by Cabinet and Council at the February 2026 budget-setting meeting, when the final Business Plan and Budget will be agreed.

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January 2026