Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose: To recommend for approval to Council the General Fund Final Budget 2026-27 and MTFP  

Content: RESOLVED:   KEY DECISION   (i)             To endorse the contents of the report and to recommend the budget proposals onto Council for approval.  This includes:   a)            The 2026/27 Revenue Budget for approval and adoption as set out in the report, which includes:   i.               An estimated net revenue budget of £891.3m (£458.8m including the Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A of the report, noting that this is subject to further update and change following the publication of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement.   ii.             Band D equivalent Council Tax of £1,918.23 for North Northamptonshire Council, representing an increase of 2.99% in the ‘core’ Council Tax and a further 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept.   iii.            Pressures of £47.3m, including adjustments for the reversal of one-off funding in 2026-27, and savings, efficiencies and income proposals of £20.1m as detailed in Appendix A of the report.   iv.           The provisional Dedicated Schools Grant budget of £458.8m for 2026-27, pending the final settlement.   v.             The draft planned use of reserves is set out in Appendix A of the report, noting the reserves will be reviewed again after the Finance Settlement and prior to the final budget proposals, to consider the risk applying at that time.   vi.           Corporate budget requirements as set out in Appendix A of the report, including a contingency sum of £2.4m.   vii.         The recommended Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy as set out in Appendix A pages 155 to 159 of the report.   viii.        That Council delegate authority to the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change to agree any necessary variations to the budget prior to 1st April 2026.   ix.           That Council delegate authority to the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change to agree the use of the following reserves which will provide the flexibility to manage the overall budget during 2026-27:   •         Transformation Reserve •         Public Health Reserve •         Waste Management Reserve •         Adult Social Care Reserve •         Smoothing Reserve •         Business Rates Retention Reserve   (ii)           That the Executive:   (a)          Noted that the financial position has been based on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced on 17th December 2025 together with any further announcements and updates to the budget position as at the date of the publication of this report.   (b)          Noted that, at the time of writing, the Final Local Government Settlement is yet to be published and, therefore, some figures may be subject to change.   (c)           Considered the consultation feedback as summarised in the report and attached at Appendix C of the report.   (d)          Considered the Equality Impact Screening Assessment as at Appendix B of the report.   (e)          Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Children’s Services and the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Member for Children’s Services and the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change to approve North Northamptonshire’s DSG budgets and Schools Funding Formula and to finalise the funding allocation for schools, in line with North Northamptonshire’s School Funding Formula.   (f)            Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Efficiency and Change to draft the recommended budget resolution for Council in accordance with the necessary legal requirements and to take into account the decisions of the Executive and any final changes and other technical adjustments that may be required.   Reason for Recommendation   To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitution and legislative requirements in setting the budget for North Northamptonshire Council from 2026-27.   Alternative Options Considered   The budgets have been subject to a formal budget consultation and scrutiny and the feedback has been considered as part of this process.