Brighton and Hove Council are calling on residents to try their hand at balancing this year’s budget.

A ‘budget simulator’ has been set up allowing people to have their say on where they would make cuts and to understand the impact of decision making.

The council has revealed that they forecast a budget shortfall of roughly £37 million in 2025/26.

READ MORE: Brighton: Council caps short single bus journeys at £1

This has been caused by increased costs and demands across a range of services in the city.

Although it is believed additional government funding will support this, the council will still be expected to find roughly £30 million.

Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy council leader and Cabinet member for Finance, said: “The new government has provided a significant uplift in local government funding, but the cumulative underfunding of local government over the past 10 years is taking its toll.

“We’re launching our budget simulator so that residents can see for themselves how difficult this process is, but also to give people the opportunity to tell us which services matter most to them, which services they would protect and where they would choose to reduce funding.”

The feedback is due to be ‘extremely valuable’ in helping the council make future decisions.

Councillor Taylor added: “As a council that listens to its residents, we would like as many people as possible, from as many communities as possible, to take part in this budget exercise and share their views.”

This budget shortfall follows a difficult year for the council, having already made budget-cutting proposals and job cuts.

The Council are also holding two engagement events where people can further discuss the council’s financial situation.

Residents can access the simulator via the Brighton and Hove Council website.