Conservative politician challenges council funding cuts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 13:01 · Archive

Wokingham Borough Council faces a £6.6 million funding cut in 2026/27 following government changes to local authority finance.

Wokingham Borough Council is losing approximately £6.6 million in government funding in the 2026/27 financial year following changes introduced by the Labour government's 'fairer funding review' last year. The review provided councils with multi-year funding settlements but left Wokingham as a substantial loser compared to other unitary authorities, which received an average increase of 3.1%.

Conservative councillor Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the opposition on the council, has sent an open letter to the government requesting transitional protections to prevent sudden funding drops and a reduction of the cuts so councils can operate without increasing burdens on residents. She notes that government funding will fall by 17.8% in 2026/27 alone.

The council estimates it will lose £43.6 million over the full three-year settlement period, creating an ongoing funding gap of approximately £20 million annually by 2028/29. Jorgensen argues that the council, which was previously run by Conservatives and noted for good financial management, should not have to absorb such severe reductions without consequences for taxpayers and local services.

How it is being reported

• Claim council has been 'penalised' as it loses millions in funding from governmentA leading Conservative politician is pushing for the government to relent on funding changes that will see Wokingham Borough Council lose millions.Bracknell News · 26 Oct, 12:30
• Claim council has been 'penalised' as it loses millions in funding from governmentA leading Conservative politician is pushing for the government to relent on funding changes that will see Wokingham Borough Council lose millions.Reading Chronicle · 26 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Wokingham Borough Council · Pauline Jorgensen · Labour government · Liberal Democrats · Conservative Party

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