Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 16, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet;   a)                 Approves the 2026-27 Budget for West Northamptonshire set out in this report, and recommends the Budget to the Full Council meeting on 26 February including: i.            an estimated net revenue budget of £1024.4m (£464.3m excluding Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A ii.            an average Band D Council Tax of £1,959.40 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase of 4.95%. (2.95% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2% Adult Social Care Precept) iii.            proposed Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix E, Subject to the removal of proposals relating to the introduction of car parking charges for Daventry, Towcester and Brackley. The cost of the proposal to be met from base budget contingency iv.            Dedicated schools grant budget of £560m as detailed in Appendix F v.            Capital Strategy additions as set out in Appendix G (ii) vi.            Capital Pipeline proposals approved with release of funding subject to further business case approval by Chief Finance Officer ( S151 ) as set out in Appendix G (iii) vii.            the Medium-Term Financial Strategy from 2026-27 to 2030-31 as set out in Appendix D viii.            the Flexible use of Capital Receipts Strategy set out in Appendix H ix.            the Treasury Management Strategy set out in Appendix K x.            setting the authorised limits for borrowing as set out in Appendix Gi section 8.13 and 8.14 b)                 Noted the final tax base for West Northamptonshire at 147,712.6 Band D equivalent properties, as set out in paragraph 6.58. c)                  Recommended the following to Full Council on 26 February 2026, to ensure that the revenue and capital budget and all associated financial policies can be delivered from 1 April 2026 and to also ensure there is flexibility to manage the overall budget in the year; i.            To delegate authority to the – Chief Finance Officer (S151) to manage any variation in budget prior to the start of 2026-27 as a result of final confirmation of the local government finance settlement, or as a result of unforeseen commitments; in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance. ii.            To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer ( S151) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2026-27 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy and for any other reason where the Capital Programme needs to be adjusted. iii.            To note the use of reserves as summarised in the table contained at paragraph 6.64-6.77. iv.            To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer (S151) to employ earmarked reserves for the purposes they were set up for including the release of the risk reserve if required. v.            To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer (S151) in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance to release the general contingency fund of £10.5m if required in the year. vi.            To note the Chief Finance Officer (S151) has delegated authority to amend fees and charges. d.)   For the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG): i.            Notes the final allocation and planned usage of the DSG for 2026-27 pending the final DSG settlement. ii.            Following consultation with the Schools Forum, delegates authority to the Director for Children’s Services to determine the DSG 2026-27 schools funding formula, high needs funding arrangements and the Early Years Funding Formula in line with Department for Education guidance. E.)  Considered the Section 25 statement of the Chief Finance Officer (S151) detailed in section 9 of the report. F.)  Noted the consultation feedback on the budget in Appendix I. G.) Noted the feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in Appendix J.   REASONS RESOLVED: To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitution and all other relevant legislative requirements in setting the budget for West Northamptonshire Council.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: A range of options have been considered as part of the budget setting process. However the Council has a statutory duty to set a balanced budget.