Thanet District Council has officially approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year, following a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday 26 February 2026.
The £30.357 million balanced budget focuses on long-term financial stability while delivering significant investment in housing, cleansing, and community safety. By law, the council must set a ‘balanced budget’ each year – meaning its planned spending cannot exceed its expected income. Achieving this ensures the council remains financially resilient and can continue to provide the essential services residents rely on daily.
A cornerstone of this year’s budget is a £21 million investment to purchase properties for temporary accommodation. This ‘invest to save’ strategy will reduce the council’s reliance on expensive, privately owned nightly-paid accommodation. It provides a way for local people facing homelessness to stay within the district, close to family, friends, school and work.
The budget also confirms an additional £500,000 for cleansing services. This includes:
- Extended funding for beach and toilet cleaning to cover a longer summer season.
- Permanent funding for a second dedicated graffiti removal team.
- Increased litter picking and maintenance along the A299 Thanet Way.
To maintain these services despite rising costs, the council has approved an increase in its share of Council Tax by just under 3%. For an average Band D property, this represents an increase of £8.10 per year – approximately 15p per week.
Additionally, funding has been identified to support the installation of new boardwalks at Margate Main Sands and Ramsgate. A proposal to cover the cost of repairing and reopening the lift at Ramsgate’s East Cliff has also been given the green light.
Fees and charges for council services will also see an average increase of 5%. This adjustment ensures that the cost of providing specific services, such as parking or licensing, is covered by those who use them, rather than being funded solely by the general taxpayer.
Councillor Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “We have worked hard to secure a budget that puts our residents first. We are acutely aware of the cost-of-living challenges many are facing, which is why it is vital we ensure the 12p in every pound that Thanet retains from council tax bills delivers as much as possible in services they need.
“Setting a balanced budget is a difficult task in the current economic climate, but it is a vital one. This plan allows us to move forward with confidence, particularly with our ambitious housing project. By investing in our own temporary accommodation, we are not just saving money in the long run; we are providing better, more compassionate support for our most vulnerable neighbours.”
The final budget was shaped by feedback from the annual residents’ survey conducted in October 2025 and a further budget specific survey earlier this year. Feedback showed that 77% of respondents were aware of the financial pressures facing local government. Residents highlighted cleaner streets, affordable housing, and community safety as their top three priorities – all of which have received additional funding in this year’s plan.
