The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council is scheduled to consider several key financial and strategic documents at its upcoming meeting. Discussions are expected to cover the council's capital investment plans, schools and early years budgets, and a partnership agreement for health and social care.

Schools and Early Years Budgets 2026/27

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed budget for schools and early years for the 2026/27 academic year. This discussion will likely involve consideration of the local funding formula, which determines how central government funding is distributed to schools within the borough. The report pack includes appendices detailing the local funding formula itself, as well as specific rates for early years provision. There will also be a discussion on the high needs budget, which is allocated to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Capital Investment Strategy 2025/26-2035/36

The Cabinet will review the council's Capital Investment Strategy, which outlines plans for significant spending on infrastructure and assets over the next decade. This strategy is crucial for the council's long-term development and will likely detail proposed investments in areas such as housing, regeneration, and public services. The report includes a draft of the strategy and an environmental assessment screening.

New Section 75 Partnership Agreement for Health and Social Care - Better Care Fund

The meeting will also address a new Section 75 Partnership Agreement concerning the Better Care Fund. This fund aims to improve health and social care services by integrating them and ensuring better outcomes for residents. The agreement will set out how the council and its health partners will work together to deliver these services. The report includes provisions for Waltham Forest and an equalities screener to assess the impact of the agreement.

Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) Mobilisation

The Cabinet is also scheduled to consider a report on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) Mobilisation. This item relates to how the council will manage and potentially access exceptional financial support, which is typically provided to local authorities facing unforeseen financial pressures.