Over the coming months, the council -- through the work of its various committees -- will assess, discuss, review, and refine the level of funding required to deliver community services for Andover residents.
This process is guided by the council's approved business plan for 2025-27, which identifies the setting of justifiable and transparent budgets and being mindful of the impact on residents as key priorities.
Between October and December 2025, there will be committee-level budget reviews of draft proposals.
Each committee has the chance to review its budget lines twice with oversight from the policy and resources committee.
Budget discussions will take place against the backdrop of an uncertain economic outlook, with the national autumn budget scheduled for 26 November.
The council's draft budget will be subject to ongoing revision, and no figures will be finalised until the council makes its formal decision in January 2026.
Along with economic uncertainty, the future shape of our Andover neighbourhood is also very unsettled.
Proposed changes in administrative arrangements will coincide with large-scale housing and industrial development, but sadly no extra funding for infrastructure or services.
At our council meeting last month, a large majority of councillors supported an option for the Test Valley council area to become part of a new Mid Hampshire unitary authority, firmly rejecting other options to either split existing borough boundaries or align with a greater Southampton arrangement.
Councillors recognised that no single option is perfect for Andover as this process is not about Andover alone.
Our role is to engage with the government's process, putting our community first and helping to make Andover a great place to live and work, whatever the outcome.
I fully intend that the council takes a strong role in shaping the final design of our community.
All council meetings are open to the public, and we are proud to be one of the few local organisations that regularly hosts open sessions for residents to share concerns and hold their elected representatives to account.
Our next public session will be held at Picket Piece Village Hall on 8 November, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
All Andover residents are warmly invited to join us for tea, biscuits, and conversation about the issues that matter most to our community.