Norfolk County Council voted 39 to 13 to approve its budget for 2026-27 at a meeting on 17 February 2026, with three abstentions.

The approved budget sets total net spending at £613.776m — an increase driven by £104.832m in additional spending pressures, partially offset by £42.334m in savings and efficiencies, and £20.593m in funding changes.

Residents will see their county council tax bill rise by 4.998% overall. This is made up of a 2.998% general increase and a 1.999% rise in the Adult Social Care precept, a separate charge specifically to fund care services for older and disabled people.

The council's finance chief, the Director of Strategic Finance, recommended the increases as necessary to keep the council's finances on a stable footing. The council holds a minimum general fund balance of £30.652m for the coming year as a financial safety net.

Despite the approved budget, the council acknowledged significant financial pressure ahead. A funding gap of £35.928m remains to be resolved for 2027-28, rising to £105.577m across the full four-year Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2030. Cabinet members have been directed to bring further savings plans back during the course of 2026-27.

For future years, the council is planning on the assumption of annual general council tax increases of 3% and Adult Social Care precept increases of 2%, though these remain subject to annual councillor votes and any government limits on rises.

The council also approved a capital investment programme of £1,059.803m covering 2026 to 2030 and beyond, setting out major infrastructure and service investment across the county.

The budget was moved by Council Leader Cllr Kay Mason Billig and seconded by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Andrew Jamieson. All opposition amendments to the budget were defeated before the main vote was taken.