Against on-going demands and costs driven by external forces, the budget for Havant Borough Council for 2026/27 has been formally agreed at Full Council. Furthermore, the new budget not only balances the books without drawing on reserves, it also delivers on a range of capital projects which will have a profoundly positive effect on the borough.
The net revenue budget for Havant Borough Council in 2026/27 is £21.6 million, which represents a 10.4% increase over the previous year. In addition to this extra investment which will support critical council services such as housing, temporary accommodation and the continuation of the play park refurbishment programme, councillors at Full Council also approved an ambitious five-year capital programme. The capital programme commits to £180 million of investment over five years (£222 million in total with continuing investment into existing projects) to support a wide range of social, commercial and environmental ventures in the area. The new projects include:
- Flood and coastal erosion risk management at Eastoke, Selsmore, and Mengham (through securing government funding support)
- Retrofitting programme for key housing sites
- New sports facilities at the Front Lawn Community Hub
- Public realm enhancements for Waterlooville town centre
- Vacant shop scheme for Havant town centre
- Biodiversity improvements at The Bog in Purbrook
- The restoration of the Oyster Beds on Hayling Island
- Improvements to active travel routes, including the Waterlooville-Denmead corridor and the Hermitage Stream
These projects are in addition to investment being made into programmes such as the forthcoming food waste recycling scheme and substantial financial support for the replacement of the footbridge crossing Havant railway station.
Councillor Phil Munday – Leader of Havant Borough Council, said “In these demanding financial times, I am delighted to see our coalition not only agree on securing a balanced budget for approval at Full Council, but also the ambition put into acknowledging the wider picture for the borough.
"By investing into longer-term projects which will deliver real dividends for residents, for businesses and for our environment, we are doing our utmost to support and improve the borough for all.
"I appreciate the financial constraints many of our residents are working under and have actively sought to secure savings and efficiencies within the council to support investment into the wider borough. I look forward to seeing the fruition of this investment over the coming years.”
Councillor Philippa Gray, Cabinet lead for Finance, added “This budget is ambitious, responsible, and rooted in the needs of our borough's communities. It reflects a well-run council that will continue to provide visible services that our residents value, whilst protecting the most vulnerable in our borough.
“Despite financial challenges, we have acted responsibly and decisively in delivering a balanced budget that protects vital services while maintaining the financial stability of the council and progressing our ambitions for the future."