Sevenoaks Town Council sets 2026/2027 Financial Budget
Published: 30 January 2026
Sevenoaks Town Council has set its 2026/2027 Financial Budget at £2,117,684. This equates to Annual Cost per Household (Band D) £161.19 per year / £3.10 per week. Sevenoaks Town Council in setting its budget for the financial year was very aware of the difficult financial climate, how this was impacting local residents and businesses, the reduction of services by other local authorities and the need to support local voluntary organisations who play such a vital role in the local community.
Wherever possible, the Town Council aims to provide community facilities at the lowest cost possible to reduce the burden on the taxpayer. At the same time providing the facilities that the community wants and needs. This is often achieved by volunteers assisting in this for which the Town Council continues to remain grateful.
Wherever possible external funding is sought for Capital Projects.
There are some facilities which are not commercially viable including maintenance of public open spaces and play areas and youth facilities, these do not generate income as they are free for public use.
Sevenoaks Town Council remains committed to supporting the Stag Community Arts Centre, local voluntary groups, and youth groups increasing grant funding from £67,100k to £70k to help charities continue vital community services in these difficult financial times.
Challenges and Strategic Goals for 2026/2027The 2026/2027 budget has been developed amid further challenging financial conditions, including a further rise in the minimum wage equal to a 4.1% uplift and increases in utility bills. Despite these pressures, the Council has identified the following key aims, in addition to its day-to-day operation for the upcoming year:
1. Sustaining Service Delivery: ensuring that all existing services including public open spaces, play areas, community buildings and community buses continue to be provided at the highest possible standard.
2. Recognising the importance of and supporting the volunteer sector: reinforcing the invaluable work of local voluntary groups by enhancing funding opportunities.
3. Continued financial support for the Stag Community Arts Centre.
4. Prioritising completion of two Masterplans.
5. Completion of the Greatness Recreation Ground new pavilion.
6. Continuing to provide “free to attend” community events.
7. Reviewing and consulting on the future of Community Assets subject to the Local Government re-organisation.
Cllr Nigel Wightman, Chair of the Finance & Delivery Committee said, “
As usual we have had to balance very carefully the cost of providing public services and facilities with the amount that we ask households to contribute. Sevenoaks consistently ranks amongst the best places to live in the country. People here love our award-winning gardens, our parks and woods, our sports facilities and our festivals, our public buildings and cafes, and The Stag. They appreciate our support for youth groups and for voluntary organisations supporting the most vulnerable people in the town. We do all this in the face of consistent inflation, including that created by the government e.g.NI increases (for which, unlike the District Council, we have received no relief). After a careful budgetary process, in order to carry on our work for the community we have decided to ask households (in Band D) for an additional 14p per week.”
Sevenoaks Town Council 2026/2027 Budget PrecisTotal Annual Revenue Budget £2,117,684
Total Annual Precept (Council Tax) £1,624,084
Annual Cost per Household (Band D) £161.19 per year / £3.10 per week
An increase of £7.52 per year / 14 pence per week = 4.9 % compared to 2025/2026
