- Last chance - just 10 minutes could influence years of local services
- Shape how council tax is spent locally: for every £1 of council tax collected, only 10p funds Tamworth Borough Council services
- Have your say before 20 October www.tamworth.gov.uk/consultation
Tamworth Borough Council is calling for residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on council spending before the survey closes in just two weeks. Taking part will help decide how millions of pounds should be spent on local services over the coming years.
The council's annual budget survey is closing soon and gives local people direct influence over spending decisions that will shape the borough for years to come. With government funding continuing to fall while costs rise, every decision about where money goes becomes increasingly important.
The 10-minute online survey breaks down exactly how the council currently spends money across all its services – from weekly bin collections and keeping streets clean, to supporting those at risk of becoming homeless, running Tamworth Castle and tackling antisocial behaviour. Residents can say whether each service should get more funding, less funding, or stay the same.
Councillor Craig Adams, portfolio holder for finance and ICT for Tamworth Borough Council, said:
“We’re in the final stretch now — with just two weeks left, this is your chance to have a direct say in how our limited resources are allocated.
“With less funding from central government and rising costs everywhere, every pound we spend needs to be carefully targeted.
“Whether it’s weekly bin collections, keeping parks pleasant, or supporting vulnerable residents — we want to hear what matters most to you.
“Please set aside a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes.”
Take part in the survey before 20 October to have your voice heard. It can be completed online at https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/council/consultation, or visit Marmion House reception to collect a paper copy. Once the survey closes, all feedback will be reviewed by the council’s cabinet and will inform budget decisions for the upcoming year.
The stark financial reality
Tamworth Borough Council receives just 10 pence from every pound of council tax paid by residents – around £186 per year for an average Band C property. The remaining goes to Staffordshire County Council, police and fire services.
This small slice of council tax, combined with business rates and declining government grants, funds a wide range of services including:
- Weekly bin collections and recycling
- Maintaining parks, open spaces, and street cleaning
- Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Tamworth Castle and local heritage
- Customer services, including benefit support and advice
- Supporting homeless people and housing advice
- Tackling antisocial behaviour
- Sports and leisure facilities
- Cemeteries
- Supporting local businesses
- Planning, food premises inspections and taxi licencing
How to take part
The consultation runs until 20 October and is available online at https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/council/consultation. Paper copies are available from Marmion House.
All responses will be reviewed by the council's cabinet and will directly inform budget decisions for 2026/27 and beyond. A summary of results will be published after the consultation closes.