The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Haringey Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Council's financial position at the end of the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, and an update on the Committee's work programme. Councillors will also have the opportunity to question the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive on the Council's priorities for 2026/27.

Finance Update - Q1 2026/27

A significant item scheduled for discussion is the Council's financial position at the end of Quarter 1 of the 2026/27 financial year. The report for this item, which was also presented to the Cabinet on 15 September 2026, details variances against the budget set in March 2026. The Council's financial situation is described as extremely challenging, with a forecast spend of £374.8m on day-to-day services, £21.7m above the budgeted £353.0m. A substantial portion of this overspend is attributed to the non-delivery of agreed savings, a recurring issue that has been highlighted by the Council's external auditors. The report indicates a risk that the assumed £84.3m of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government may not be sufficient, leading to increased borrowing costs. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is forecasting an £8.4m overspend, primarily due to pressures in the High Needs Block, while the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is forecasting a £3.478m deficit, largely due to a higher-than-budgeted level of void properties. The capital programmes for both the General Fund and HRA are forecasting underspends.

The report also details progress against the 2026/27 savings targets, noting that while Directorate-specific savings are largely on track, there is a significant shortfall in cross council savings. The Council's reserves position is noted as being lower than average, with a medium to long-term objective to increase balances to manage risks and strengthen financial resilience. The report includes details of debt write-offs for Quarter 1, totalling £2.1m, with parking services accounting for 46% of this amount.

Work Programme Update

The Committee will also review its current 2026/27 work programme. This includes noting the existing schedule and proposing any necessary amendments. The work programme outlines planned finance monitoring items for each quarter of the financial year, as well as dedicated sessions for policy issues. Upcoming events for members, such as scrutiny training and a stakeholder engagement event, are also highlighted. The Committee will consider the Council's Forward Plan, which provides notice of key decisions expected to be made by the Cabinet over the next three months, to inform its scrutiny activities.

Questions to the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive

An opportunity is scheduled for councillors to question Councillor Mark Blake, Leader of the Council, and Andy Donald, Chief Executive, on the Council's priorities for 2026/27.

The meeting will also cover procedural matters such as filming at meetings, apologies for absence, and urgent business.