News New Maidstone Borough Council budget to tackle poverty, support regeneration and boost nature recovery approved
Maidstone Borough Council has approved its budget for 2026/27, alongside the Council’s Pay Policy Statement and a comprehensive Year Two Action Plan that sets out priorities for the year ahead.
The decisions were agreed by Full Council at a meeting on Wednesday, 25 February, following consideration by Policy Advisory Committees, Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.
As part of the meeting, councillors approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026, which outlines the Council’s approach to remuneration, transparency and senior pay. The Statement has been updated to reflect changes over the past year and will be published on the Council’s website in line with statutory requirements.
Councillors also agreed the Year Two Action Plan, which builds on the Council’s Corporate Strategy and the progress made during the first year of the administration. The plan reflects the Council’s intention to continue delivering local priorities while the authority retains full decision‑making powers, and to prepare for anticipated changes later in the year as part of local government reorganisation.
The Action Plan places a strong emphasis on preparing for local government reorganisation, alongside increased investment in river restoration, nature recovery and climate action. It also introduces a new community cohesion and safety grant scheme to support local initiatives that bring communities together and help people feel safer where they live.
Further commitments include continued town centre regeneration, with projects on Earl Street and wider public realm and greening works, delivering the outcomes of the Community Governance Review, and exploring options for a new bridge across the River Medway. Enhancing creative and leisure provision, including at All Saints, also forms a key part of the programme.
Support for Business Improvement District initiatives is included, with £200,000 over two years to help strengthen partnership working and economic vitality. The plan also commits to action to address period poverty, alongside the option to open the Housing Revenue Account if required, to support future housing ambitions.
Progress against the Action Plan will continue to be reviewed through the Council’s Policy Advisory Committees.
The Council approved a balanced budget for 2026/27 and a five‑year Medium Term Financial Strategy, based on prudent assumptions and the Local Government Finance Settlement. The budget includes a 3% increase in Maidstone Borough Council’s share of Council Tax, equating to £9 per year for a Band D property. Maidstone Borough Council accounts for 12.4% of the overall Band D Council Tax bill. The Section 25 report from the Council’s Chief Finance Officer confirmed that the budget estimates are robust and that reserves are adequate.
As part of the budget, councillors agreed to transfer £8 million over two years into the Housing Investment Fund and to set aside £300,000 to meet known Maidstone‑specific costs associated with local government reorganisation.
A review of earmarked reserves has also enabled additional funding to be released for use within the borough, supporting economic development, tackling poverty in the town centre, investment in council assets, improvements at Lockmeadow, rural development initiatives and a feasibility study for a Healthy Living Centre.
The approved capital programme reflects significant long‑term investment in the borough, including funding for Quality Homes for Life, a new park at Maidstone East, a Gypsy, Romany and Traveller site, public realm and greening works on Earl Street, and funding towards a new River Medway bridge.
Councillors also noted the significant reduction in households placed in temporary accommodation over the past year, achieved through early identification and support, resulting in both improved outcomes for residents and financial savings for the Council.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Stuart Jeffery, said: “This budget and our plan for the coming year demonstrate our commitment to delivering for Maidstone’s residents and our environment while preparing responsibly for the changes ahead.
“We are continuing to invest in both our town centre and rural areas, our natural environment and our communities, while taking a prudent approach to the Council’s finances.
“At a time of uncertainty for local government, this plan ensures we remain focused on what matters most locally, protecting our environment and improving quality of life for people across the borough.”