Luton council survey calls for residents to have their say on spending priorities ahead of budget
Luton residents are being urged to have their say on where the local authority focuses its spending priorities for the next financial year, with “difficult choices ahead”, a councillor has warned.
No decisions have been made on the 2027/28 budget or the council tax rate at this stage, according to a statement from the council.
Luton Borough Council (LBC) has prepared a short survey instead, ahead of the coalition administration of the Liberal Democrats and Independent Alliance Group councillors preparing their first budget, after nearly 20 years of Labour ruling groups organising this process.
The council wants to hear “what matters most to people, which services they believe should be prioritised and where its available resources could make the greatest difference to residents, families and communities” across the town.
The consultation comes at a time when the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets, it said. “LBC is facing similar financial challenges because of the rising cost of delivering services and increased demand for services, with more people needing support in adult social care, children’s services and housing.
“The local authority must prioritise the services it’s legally required to provide, and ensure people with the greatest needs receive appropriate support. LBC wants to understand how residents believe its remaining resources should be used.
“The survey asks residents about a range of issues, such as waste and recycling, keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe, green spaces, and improving roads and pavements, explained the report.
“It also covers sustainable transport, supporting vulnerable people, tackling homelessness, investing in young people and creating jobs, as well as exploring how the council could make the best use of its resources, improve efficiency and manage the financial pressures it faces.
“There are questions about spending priorities too, with residents being asked for their views on major developments planned or progressing across Luton,” added LBC.
“This includes projects that could create jobs, attract investment, deliver new homes, and improve facilities and opportunities for local people. The feedback will help the council understand which developments residents believe could bring the greatest benefits.”
Portfolio holder for finance and Liberal Democrat Stopsley councillor Matt Fry explained: “We know that many residents are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, and the council is likewise facing significant financial challenges as the cost of delivering services continues to increase.
“Every decision that we make about spending matters, and we want to ensure we understand what’s most important to the people who live in Luton.
“From supporting our most vulnerable residents and keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe, to creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering opportunities for the future, we want to hear where people believe we should focus our efforts.
“There are difficult choices ahead, which is why hearing directly from residents is so important to us. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and help inform our priorities for 2027/28.”
Feedback from residents will help inform the council’s thinking as it develops its budget proposals, ahead of publication of the draft budget. The survey takes around five minutes to complete, and can be accessed via:Help shape Luton Council’s 2027/28 spending priorities – Fill out form