The Council of Havering Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 4 March 2026, with the primary focus of the meeting being the setting of the Council's budget and Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year. The meeting will also include consideration of the Greater London Authority's budget and precept decisions.

The Council's Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to the Council's budget for the upcoming financial year. This will involve considering a report from the Cabinet, dated 18 February 2026, which is expected to outline the proposed budget. Attendees will also need to note the decisions made by the Greater London Authority regarding its budget and precept for 2026/27, as these will have an impact on the Council's own financial planning. Following these considerations, the Council will be asked to agree on a budget for 2026/27 and subsequently set the Council Tax for the same period.

The process for amending the budget has specific deadlines, with any proposed amendments needing to be submitted by midnight on Monday 23 February 2026. The Council Procedure Rules outline a detailed process for handling amendments to the budget and Council Tax setting, ensuring that any proposed changes are considered robust by the Chief Finance Officer. This includes a requirement for amendments to be submitted at least six clear days before the meeting. The rules also stipulate that any new information affecting Council Tax that emerges after the Cabinet's recommendations will be shared with all groups simultaneously by the Chief Finance Officer to maintain a level playing field.

The Council has a legal obligation to set a Council Tax for 2026/27. The Local Government Finance Act 1992 places restrictions on voting for any Councillor who has remained unpaid on their Council Tax for at least two months. Furthermore, regulations require that the minutes of the meeting record how each Councillor voted on the budget and Council Tax decisions. The Cabinet's report is expected to reference the Chief Executive's report to the Cabinet. The meeting's agenda also includes a timetable for the Council meeting, providing a schedule of events.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, commencing at 7:30 pm.