We want to hear what you think about our plans for changing how we deliver services. We also want your views on how we balance saving money with investing in services for Newcastle. Here’s what we are planning. Scroll down to find this information in BSL and Easy Read format if you need this.
The savings challenge
We need to save £8 million next year and just over £40 million in the next three years. This is because more people need social care for children and adults. Other reasons include rising costs and cuts to public services over the last 14 years.
Our response – Change and Innovation: Newcastle
We are starting a Change and Innovation Programme. This will look at new ways to deliver services, use technology, and spend less on outside contracts. Our aim is to save money for the future, keep our budget balanced, and still provide services people need. These include road repairs, neighbourhood services, play areas, and help for the most vulnerable. We want to cut waste and work more efficiently.
Our plans are in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which shows how we will manage money for the next three years. We plan to spend £328 million on everyday services and invest £134 million in big projects like road repairs, housing, and schools. These projects help the economy and create jobs. (We cannot use this money for everyday services by law.)
We also plan to increase Council Tax by 2.99% and the adult social care charge by 2%. Money from the adult social care charge can only be used for those services. This will raise about £8 million to help fund changes and protect important services.
This is just a summary. You can read more in these reports:
We are starting a Change and Innovation Programme. This will look at new ways to deliver services, use technology, and spend less on outside contracts. Our aim is to save money for the future, keep our budget balanced, and still provide services people need. These include road repairs, neighbourhood services, play areas, and help for the most vulnerable. We want to cut waste and work more efficiently.
Our plans are in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), which shows how we will manage money for the next three years. We plan to spend £328 million on everyday services and invest £134 million in big projects like road repairs, housing, and schools. These projects help the economy and create jobs. (We cannot use this money for everyday services by law.)
We also plan to increase Council Tax by 2.99% and the adult social care charge by 2%. Money from the adult social care charge can only be used for those services. This will raise about £8 million to help fund changes and protect important services.
This is just a summary. You can read more in these reports:
- Change and Innovation – a summary of our 2026-27 savings proposals
- Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2026-2027 to 2028-2029 – Revenue and Capital Plan
- Council Tax and Adult Social Care Proposal – Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA)
You can find full details, including risks, costs, and investment plans here: View the MTFP Cabinet papers
What we would like you to do
We want to know what you think about our plans for the next three years. We have already asked people for general views through the Newcastle People’s Budget, which you can see here: Newcastle People’s Budget 2026-2027. Now we want your views on the MTFP proposals. Please answer the questions below!
What we would like you to do
We want to know what you think about our plans for the next three years. We have already asked people for general views through the Newcastle People’s Budget, which you can see here: Newcastle People’s Budget 2026-2027. Now we want your views on the MTFP proposals. Please answer the questions below!
Give us your views
If you need Easy Read information, you can find it here - completed forms can be emailed to letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk, or printed and posted for free to: Budget Consultation 2026-27, c/o FREEPOST Letstalk (that is the full address):
- Word version: 2026 Easy Read Budget Consultation Form.docx
- PDF version: 2026 Easy Read Budget Consultation Form.pdf
If you have questions or need this information in another format, like large print, email: letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk or call: 0191 278 7878.
Other ways to have your say
You can also share your views by:
- Emailing: letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk
- Writing to: Budget Consultation 2026-27, c/o FREEPOST Letstalk (that is the full address).
Data Protection
Your answers will be kept private. We will not share them, and you cannot be identified. You do not have to answer if you do not want to. For more details, read our Privacy Policy: Let's talk Newcastle Privacy Policy
Your answers will be kept private. We will not share them, and you cannot be identified. You do not have to answer if you do not want to. For more details, read our Privacy Policy: Let's talk Newcastle Privacy Policy
What happens next
The consultation runs from 16 December 2025 to 21 January 2026. We will use your views when we update the MTFP in early 2026. The final plan will go to Full Council in March 2026 for a vote.
Thanks for giving us your views.
The consultation runs from 16 December 2025 to 21 January 2026. We will use your views when we update the MTFP in early 2026. The final plan will go to Full Council in March 2026 for a vote.
Thanks for giving us your views.
