> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Council passes 2026/27 budget to protect vulnerable residents - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-passes-2026-27-budget-to-protect-vulnerable-residents/ - Published: 2026-02-28T17:31:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-11T13:55:37.000Z - Description: Following successful lobbying for government funding, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a balanced budget focused on social care investment, road repairs, and playground upgrades. - Author: Natalee Trowbridge - Tags: Politics **Council passes budget to protect vulnerable residents and invest in key services** Stoke-on-Trent City Council has passed a budget for 2026/27 that supports vulnerable residents and invests in people’s priorities. The move comes after the government published its final settlement to local councils on February 9\. That included an extra £13.3 million over three years for Stoke-on-Trent City Council following lobbying by the council and local MPs. The Medium Term Financial Strategy and council tax proposals were passed at a meeting of the full council this week (Thursday, February 26). ### Investing in Residents' Priorities The package of measures includes: - **£5 million** for pothole and road surface repairs, boosting the spring repair programme. - **£1.25 million** to upgrade and improve playgrounds. - **£300,000** for accelerated gully cleaning to strengthen flood prevention work. It also includes significant investment in **Children’s Social Care, Adults Social Care, homelessness services, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support**, reflecting rising demand and the need to safeguard essential provision. The council is also set to continue to invest through its capital programme to preserve local heritage and improve the city’s infrastructure, supporting long-term regeneration and resilience. ### Consultation and Council Tax A draft version of the budget went out for full public consultation. A number of changes were made in the final version, including the decision to **retain the Dimensions café**, with an amended operating model. The budget includes a council tax rise of 4.99 per cent. Data published by the Press Association this week showed 119 out of 153 top-tier councils in England and Wales were proposing similar rises. Stoke-on-Trent currently has one of the five lowest council tax rates in the country, and by far the lowest in Staffordshire. > “Our priority is to support the most vulnerable, protect frontline services and invest in the things that matter to our residents. This budget takes a responsible and balanced approach that puts residents first while seeking to ensure we remain financially sustainable.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.