Autumn Budget 2026 Submission

Our Autumn Budget 2026 submission sets out how the government can support county and rural areas to drive economic growth, reform public services and improve financial sustainability. The submission argues that counties are central to national renewal but face significant funding pressures, rising demand and barriers to growth.

Key calls from the submission:

• An increase incore council funding and a fairer funding formula that recognises the higher costs of delivering services in rural areas.
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• Government should accelerate devolution, giving counties greater powers and fiscal freedoms and ensure councils remain central to public service reform.
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• Long-term, fully funded reform of adult social care, including support for workforce costs and preventative community care.
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• SEND and children’s services reform, alongside additional funding to address rising demand, deficits and transport costs.
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• Investment in housing, infrastructure, homelessness prevention and rural transport to build sustainable communities.