The Wandsworth Borough Council meeting scheduled for 4 March 2026 was set to cover a range of significant financial and strategic planning matters. Key discussions were expected to revolve around the Council's budget and council tax for the upcoming financial year, proposed additions to the capital programme, and the adoption of a revised Local Plan.

Budget and Council Tax Setting 2026/27

A central item on the agenda was the proposed budget and council tax for 2026/27, detailed in the report 26-63 Council Tax 2026-27.pdf. The report indicated that this would be the fourth budget and council tax setting exercise under the current administration, aiming to balance the Council's financial position with its priorities and support households facing the cost of living crisis. A recommendation was made for a freeze in Wandsworth's share of the main council tax, alongside a 2% increase for the adult social care precept. The report highlighted that Wandsworth's charge would continue to be the lowest in the country. The agenda also included proposals to approve a revised General Fund Budget Requirement for several years and to endorse proposals for reserves.

Proposed Additions to the Capital Programme

The meeting was scheduled to consider proposed additions to the Capital Programme for 2026/27 and future years, as outlined in the report 26-64 WBC Proposed Additions to GF Capital Programme.pdf. This report detailed plans to add capital schemes totalling £52.3 million, funded through grants, developer contributions, and the Council's own resources. The Council was set to announce a total investment of £470.6 million in the borough over the next six years. This included significant investment in leisure facilities, communities, and schemes aimed at making the borough a more attractive place. The agenda also included the approval of the Council's Capital Strategy for 2026/27.

Adoption of the Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review

A significant item for decision was the adoption of the Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review (WLPPR), detailed in the report 26-81 - Local Plan Adoption.pdf. This review, initiated in 2023, aimed to increase the delivery of affordable housing, with a focus on social rented housing. Following an Inspector's report, the WLPPR was deemed sound and legally compliant, subject to specific modifications. The meeting was scheduled to consider the adoption of the WLPPR, including these modifications, which would formally integrate it into the Council's development plan. Additionally, the agenda included proposals for the adoption of Supplementary Planning Documents related to Affordable Housing and Student Housing.

Treasury Management Policy

The meeting was also set to review and propose updates to the Treasury Management Policy for 2026/27, as presented in the report 26-65 Wandsworth Treasury Management 2026-27.pdf. This included the determination of the Council's borrowing limit and operational boundary, as well as the Minimum Revenue Provision policy for 2026/27. Prudential Indicators were also to be considered, assessing the affordability and impact of capital investment decisions. The report noted the Council's strong financial management and its current lack of external debt.

Other Matters

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as the confirmation of minutes, announcements by the Mayor, declarations of interest, and the presentation of petitions. Members were also scheduled to ask questions of the Leader and Cabinet Members. Additionally, there were reports for information from the Cabinet, the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Planning Applications Committee, and the Health and Wellbeing Board. A motion regarding the Mayoralty was also listed for consideration.

It is important to note that this summary is based on the agenda and reports provided and does not reflect any discussions that may have taken place or any decisions that were made during the meeting. The information status of the meeting was PENDING_SCRAPING, meaning its occurrence and outcomes have not yet been confirmed.