Peterborough City Council in Cambridgeshire placed its draft 2026/27 budget before members on 3 February 2026. The proposals include a 4.99% council tax rise — made up of a 2.99% general levy and a 2.0% adult social care precept — intended to help the city bridge a multi‑million‑pound funding gap while increasing investment in adult and children’s social care and other local services.
The 4.99% increase is the maximum permitted without triggering a local referendum for authorities with adult social care responsibilities. The council says this would equate to an increase of £1.68 a week for a Band D property — about £87.36 a year — from 1 April 2026.
The spending plans include provision for a replacement for the city’s Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre. The exact location is still under consideration; earlier work had identified Pleasure Fair Meadow as a potential site, but recent design work has recommended a city‑centre solution and the council says location options are being ‘thoroughly considered.’ The Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre was closed in September 2023 after asbestos and RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) were found; the building was subsequently decommissioned and demolition activity has followed.
Council Leader Councillor Shabina Qayyum said the budget aims to protect vulnerable residents while allowing investment in modern facilities. The council ran a formal budget consultation in October–November 2025; the draft budget was scheduled to be considered by Cabinet on 10 February 2026 and by Full Council on 25 February 2026 for final approval.
The administration says the plan is part of a wider financial strategy — including making use of ‘Exceptional Financial Support’ and rebuilding reserves — designed to avoid a financial emergency and put the council on a more stable footing. Final decisions on the budget will be taken at the February council meetings.
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