Can You Balance Havering’s Budget? Try Our New ‘Budget The Borough’ Game

Residents can now step into the shoes of a councillor with “Budget the Borough” — a new interactive simulation that puts you in charge of managing Havering Council’s £208.8 million revenue budget for 2025/26.

Faced with a £53.2 million funding gap caused by an out-of-date funding formula, inflation, rising demand for services, and reduced government support, players must navigate 12 monthly scenarios to balance the books and keep residents happy.

Each turn represents a month in the financial year. You’ll be asked to respond to issues like adult social care pressures, homelessness, waste services, and more — with three choices available: invest heavily, take moderate action, or do nothing. Every decision affects your score and public satisfaction levels, which start at 50% and can go up or down based on your performance.

Borrowing is an option, but comes at a cost — the more you borrow, the more you’re penalised, both in score and in resident satisfaction.

The game ends with a full report card, scoring your leadership on a scale from “Poor” to “Excellent” (0–160 points). You’ll see your financial decisions, public satisfaction rating, and how well you handled the borough’s top concerns. You can even share your final result on social media and challenge others to beat your score.

“Budget the Borough” isn’t just a game — it’s a real insight into the tough choices the council face every year. It’s a fun, accessible way for residents to understand the financial pressures on local government while thinking through what they would prioritise.

Don’t forget to copy and share your score.

Play the game now! 👇

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