Decision

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

a)            Noted and thanked the Budget Scrutiny Panel for the scrutiny undertaken so far as part of the 2026/27 Budget setting process.

b)            Noted and thanked officers of the Council, particularly those in the Finance Service, and the Northampton Children’s Trust, for their hard work so far in putting together the draft budget over recent months.

c)             Considered and responded to the key findings and specific recommendations arising from the Budget Scrutiny Panel’s work to date as set out in Section 5 below.

d)            Noted the minutes of the Budget Scrutiny Panel meetings held between 29th October and 24th November 2025 at Appendices A-D.

e)            Noted that the Corporate Scrutiny Committee will meet on 15th January to further consider the draft budget and will make a further report to the Executive at its meeting on 10th February 2026.

f)              Agreed that a report be made to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, in respect of the progress of the delivery of its recommendations, after six months from the start of the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Reason for Recommendations – To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitutional and legislative requirements in setting the 2026-27 budget for North Northamptonshire Council.

Alternative Options Considered – None, as the Corporate Scrutiny Committee is a required consultee in the budget setting process.