The Council meeting on 22 February 2024 saw the approval of the final revenue budget for 2024/25 and the medium-term financial strategy to 2026/27, alongside the Housing Revenue Account budget and capital programme. The council also approved the calendar of meetings for the upcoming municipal year and set the non-executive fees and charges for 2024/25.

Budget and Financial Strategy Approved

The Council approved the final revenue budget for 2024/25 and the medium-term financial strategy to 2026/27. This decision, which was carried with a voting majority, included the setting of the Council Tax for 2024/25. A new council tax premium of 100% for empty furnished properties from April 2025 was also approved. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2024-25 and the medium-term financial strategy for 2025-26 to 2026-27 were also approved, as was the HRA Capital Programme for 2024-25 to 2028-29.

The Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2024/25, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy, and Annual Capital Strategy, was also approved. The final Capital Programme for 2024/25 to 2026/27 received approval.

Fees and Charges for 2024/25 Set

The Council approved and set the fees and charges for the financial year 2024/25, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer report. The Director of Finance was delegated authority to amend fees and charges throughout the year and agree new ones, following consultation with the Corporate Director of Place and the relevant Portfolio Holder.

Calendar of Meetings Approved

The Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2024/25 was approved.

Information Reports Noted

Two information reports were noted by the Council:

• Use of the Urgency Procedure - Executive: This report detailed decisions taken under the urgency procedure by the Leader since the Council meeting on 30 November 2023. The only decision noted was the acquisition of a site for a Special Educational Needs school provision, deemed urgent due to property acquisition timescales.
• Remuneration and Severance Packages of £100,000 or greater: This report summarised remuneration and severance packages approved by the Chief Officers' Employment Panel (COEP) between November 2023 and January 2024. One remuneration package for the Assistant Director of Regeneration and one severance package exceeding £100,000 were approved.

Motion on NHS Waiting Times Lost

A motion concerning NHS waiting times, moved by Councillor David Perry and seconded by Councillor Natasha Proctor, was debated and subsequently lost.

Other Business

• Council Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2023 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.
• Declarations of Interest: Declarations of interest were made by Councillor Janet Mote, Councillor Peymana Assad, Councillor Simon Brown, and Councillor Janet Mote in relation to specific agenda items.
• Procedural Motions: A procedural motion was agreed to vary the rules of debate for several budget and strategy-related items, allowing for joint debate and extended opening speeches by political groups.
• Petitions: A petition was received from Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman regarding the condition of roads and pavements surrounding Ufford Road, Hatch End.
• Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements: The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, provided an update on the Administration's achievements, challenges, and plans.
• Members Allowances' Scheme 2024/25: The current Members' Allowances Scheme was amended and approved, to be backdated to 1 January 2024.
• Corporate Plan 2023-26: Review of first year and Flagship Actions 2024/25: The Corporate Plan and new Flagship Actions for 2024/25 were approved.
• Questions with Notice: There were no Questions with Notice.

The meeting concluded at 9.22 pm.