The Council of Brent met on Monday 23 February 2026 to discuss the borough's budget and council tax for the upcoming financial year, 2026-27. Attendees were also scheduled to review the external auditor's annual report on the council's value for money, a mid-year report on treasury management activities, and the annual review of the Members' Allowance Scheme.

Budget and Council Tax 2026-27

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed budget and council tax for 2026-27. The report outlined the council's budget proposals, detailing the outcomes of consultation, scrutiny, and equalities considerations. It also provided an overview of the council's medium-term financial position, highlighting significant risks, issues, and uncertainties.

Key proposals included:

• An overall 4.99% increase in the council's element of Council Tax for 2026-27, comprising a 2% precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase.
• New budget savings proposals with an aggregate value of £10.4 million to be delivered in 2026/27.
• An update on the 2025/26 revenue budget and a review of key budget assumptions.
• Details of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and business plan for 2026/27.
• Information on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27.
• Changes to the existing Capital Programme, including additions of new schemes and reprofiling.
• The Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement.
• The Reserves Strategy and schedule of reserves.
• The Fees and Charges Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges.
• The Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider amendments to the budget and council tax proposals submitted by the Conservative Group, the Green Group, and the Liberal Democrats Group.

External Auditor's Annual Report on the London Borough of Brent

This report presented the council's External Auditor's Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2024-25 audit of the year-end accounts. It also outlined the key recommendations made within the Annual Report. A representative from the council's external auditor, Grant Thornton, was expected to be present to present the report and respond to any issues raised.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-2026

This report provided an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2025-26. It was noted that the report had been considered by the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee and referred on to the Council by Cabinet for consideration in compliance with CIPFA's Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice.

Members' Allowance Scheme Annual Review 2026-27

This report outlined the annual review of the Members' Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2026-27.

Urgent Business

The agenda also included a slot for urgent business, at the discretion of the Mayor, to consider any urgent business notified in accordance with Standing Order 37(s).