Residents invited to help shape Luton Council’s spending priorities for 2027/28

The council wants to hear what matters most to people, which services they believe should be prioritised and where its available resources could make the greatest difference to residents, families and communities across the town.

The consultation comes at a time when the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets. The council is facing similar financial challenges, with the cost of delivering services increasing and more people needing support, particularly in adult social care, children’s services and housing. 

While the council must prioritise the services it is legally required to provide and ensure people with the greatest needs receive appropriate support, it also wants to understand how residents believe its remaining resources should be used. 

The survey asks residents to give their thoughts on a range of issues, from keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe, waste and recycling, green spaces and improving roads and pavements, sustainable transport to supporting vulnerable people, tackling homelessness, investing in young people and creating jobs. It also explores how the council could make the best use of its resources, improve efficiency and manage the financial pressures it faces. 

Alongside questions about spending priorities, residents are being asked for their views on major developments planned or progressing across Luton, including projects that could create jobs, attract investment, deliver new homes and improve facilities and opportunities for local people. The feedback will help the council understand which developments residents believe could bring the greatest benefits. 

Councillor Matt Fry, portfolio holder responsible for Finance said, “We know that many residents are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, and the council is also facing significant financial challenges as the cost of delivering services continues to increase.

“Every decision we make about spending matters, and we want to make sure we understand what is most important to the people who live in Luton. From supporting our most vulnerable residents and keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe, to creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering opportunities for the future, we want to hear where people believe we should focus our efforts.

“There are difficult choices ahead, which is why hearing directly from residents is so important to us - I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and help inform our priorities for 2027/28.” 

No decisions have been made on the 2027/28 budget or the council tax rate at this stage. Residents’ feedback will help inform the council’s thinking as it develops its budget proposals, ahead of publication of the draft budget. 

The survey takes around five minutes to complete – please have your say.