Luton residents are being asked to help decide which council services and projects should receive priority when the authority sets its budget for 2027/28.
Luton Council has launched a public consultation as it faces rising costs and increasing demand for services, particularly in adult social care, children’s services and housing.
The authority wants residents to say which areas matter most to them and where they believe its available money could make the biggest difference to people and communities across the town.
The survey covers a wide range of issues, including keeping neighbourhoods clean and safe, waste and recycling, maintaining green spaces, improving roads and pavements, sustainable transport and supporting vulnerable people.
Residents are also being asked about tackling homelessness, investing in young people and creating jobs, as well as how the council could improve efficiency and make better use of its resources.
The consultation also seeks views on major developments planned or progressing across Luton, including projects which could bring new homes, create jobs, attract investment and improve local facilities and opportunities.
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.”
The council said it must continue to prioritise services it is legally required to provide and ensure people with the greatest needs receive appropriate support, but wants to understand how residents think its remaining resources should be spent.
No decisions have yet been made on the 2027/28 budget or the council tax rate. Responses will help inform the council’s budget proposals before a draft budget is published.
The survey takes around five minutes to complete and can be found here.
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