Conservative Councillors have voted against Labour’s 2026/27 budget, describing it as a plan that asks residents to 'pay more and accept less.'
The budget includes a council tax rise of almost 5%, rent increases, and more than 50 role reductions in the council
Conservative group Leader Cllr Shazna Muzammil said the issue was not just the level of tax, but what residents are receiving in return.
“Year after year, council tax has gone up. In the last three years alone, it has risen to the maximum allowed. Residents are entitled to expect the basics done properly,” she said.
The Conservative Group raised concerns about major projects that have overrun, stalled or escalated in cost, including the former Agora site in Wolverton, and Saxon Court in Central Milton Keynes.
“When projects are delayed, poorly costed and poorly managed, you need more money to finish these projects. When costs increase, residents, through no fault of their own, are asked to foot the bill,” Cllr Muzammil said.
Councillors say everyday issues also continue to frustrate residents — deteriorating roads, flooded underpasses, slow housing repairs and neglected public spaces.
“This is about priorities. Council tax should first protect our residents and maintain the services people rely on every day — supporting vulnerable children, caring for older residents, keeping homes safe, fixing our roads and maintaining clean, well-looked-after neighbourhoods," she added, "That has to come before everything else.”
