Sandwell Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy, inviting residents, businesses and community groups to comment on how the council plans to balance its budget while investing in key services.
The consultation runs until 25 November 2026. Feedback will inform the final budget proposals, which Cabinet and Full Council will consider in February 2027.
What the draft strategy includes
The draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy sets out significant investment in services facing growing demand, including additional funding for adult and children's social care and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) home-to-school transport.
The council faces increasing financial pressures from inflation, higher service costs and rising demand, particularly in social care and SEND services. The strategy outlines savings and income generation proposals to meet the council's legal duty to set a balanced budget for 2027/28.
Council priorities outlined
Councillor Gary Dale, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said the council is committed to spending more next year on social care for children and older, disabled and vulnerable residents.
The council also plans to continue prioritising tackling illegal activity and making Sandwell safer by addressing anti-social behaviour, stopping fly-tipping, closing shops that act illegally, making high streets safer and tackling nuisance in properties with multiple households.
How to take part
Residents, businesses and community groups are asked to share their views on where the council should invest more, what they think of the savings proposals and what impact any changes may have. The consultation can be completed online.
Feedback will help shape the budget for the next financial year, starting in April 2027.