A final budget has been agreed that focuses on protecting services, supporting residents and leaving the borough in a strong position for the future, as Runnymede prepares for LGR.
As the Council moves towards becoming part of the new West Surrey Council, the budget sets out a balanced and responsible approach to public spending. It prioritises the services residents rely on, provides targeted support for those who need it most, and ensures the borough remains financially resilient during a period of significant change.
Protecting services and supporting residents
The budget delivers nearly £700,000 in savings and efficiencies, helping to reduce waste and manage costs while protecting essential services. These savings have been achieved without reducing the frontline support that residents and families depend on day to day.
Supporting residents remains a central priority. The Council will continue to provide help through the Runnymede Support Fund, which was introduced to ensure local people can access assistance during difficult times. This sits alongside the Council’s financial inclusion services, which offer advice and support to residents facing financial pressures, helping them to stay independent and resilient.
Together, these measures ensure that help is available when it is needed, while maintaining a fair and sustainable approach to public finances.
Investing in parks, green spaces and neighbourhoods
The budget includes continued investment in parks, green spaces and neighbourhood improvements, recognising the important role these spaces play in community wellbeing.
New teams are already working across the borough, restoring parks and green spaces and improving areas that have not been properly maintained for many years. This work is helping to make public spaces more welcoming, safer and better cared for. It also complements the ongoing programme of new play equipment being installed in parks across Runnymede, creating improved facilities for children and families.
Alongside this, the budget provides investment in council buildings, facilities and neighbourhood infrastructure. These improvements support health and wellbeing, enhance biodiversity and deliver practical action on climate change. Many of the upgrades are designed to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, helping to cut long-term running costs while supporting environmental goals.
Protecting taxpayers and strengthening finances
A key part of the budget is the Council’s continued focus on financial responsibility. As part of its recovery plan, the Council has agreed the early repayment of £19 million of debt.
This approach has secured £9.4 million in loan discounts and will save close to £1 million every year for the next decade. These savings provide long-term financial benefits and help protect services by reducing the cost of borrowing and freeing up resources for future priorities.
Looking ahead
Over the coming weeks, residents will hear more about the projects being delivered in neighbourhoods across the borough, as the Council continues to focus on local priorities.
This final budget is about delivering what residents have said matters most, while ensuring Runnymede enters the next phase of local government in the strongest possible position — leaving a positive and lasting legacy for the communities it serves.
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