All ten budget amendments proposed by opposition groups at Norfolk County Council's budget meeting on 17 February 2026 were defeated, with the Conservative-led administration voting against each one.

Bus subsidies and transport

The Green Group proposed an amendment to increase funding for bus subsidies, aiming to protect supported bus routes across Norfolk. The amendment was defeated by 38 votes to 12, with 5 abstentions. A separate Green amendment to fund School Streets — traffic-calming measures outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times — was lost by 38 votes to 9, with 8 abstentions.

Flood mitigation

The Green Group also sought additional money for flood mitigation measures. That amendment fell by 36 votes to 12, with 5 abstentions — a notable outcome given the frequency of flooding events across parts of Norfolk in recent years.

Street trees

A further Green amendment to fund street tree planting was rejected by 37 votes to 10, with 7 abstentions.

NorseCare and residential care homes

Labour councillors proposed pausing the planned sale of NorseCare — the council's care home operation — and commissioning a feasibility study into keeping the care estate in council ownership. The amendment called for a temporary contract with Norse to continue delivering care in the interim. It was defeated 40 votes to 18.

Governance of council-owned companies

A separate Labour amendment called for an external review of council-owned companies (known as LATCOs) to assess their governance and future purpose. This was also defeated, by 41 votes to 18.

SEND tribunals and carer support

The Independent Progressive Group put forward amendments covering SEND tribunal costs, adoption and special guardianship support, and funding for unpaid carers. All three were voted down, with between 36 and 39 councillors voting against in each case.

Care estate

The Independent Progressive Group also sought changes to the council's approach to its care estate. That amendment was rejected by 39 votes to 10, with 7 abstentions.

All votes on amendments were recorded, meaning each councillor's individual vote is publicly logged in the meeting appendices.