Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Tom Plater and Nigel Williams.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2026

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 14 January 2026 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

To note the following minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 20 January 2026

Cabinet received a summary of the issues covered at the most recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee including the Resident Survey and an urgent item related to the Submission to the Secretary of State regarding the request to delay the May 2026 local elections.  The Committee then moved on to a scheduled work programme item examining the Council’s Workforce.

Cabinet were pleased to note that over half the workforce lived locally and were aware of the Council’s issues and aspirations.  Members also welcomed the closing of the agenda pay gap.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting be noted.

To consider the Council's draft 2026/27 General Fund Budget, Council Tax Support Scheme and draft proposals for the 2025/26 Council Tax.

The Cabinet considered a report in respect of the Council’s General Fund, Council Tax Support Scheme and proposals for the 2026/27 Council Tax for onward recommendation to Council.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the Fair Funding position for Stevenage remained based on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, with the Final Settlement expected to be laid before Parliament imminently. She was pleased to report that the provisional figures were financially favourable for the town.

The proposed Council Tax increase for 2026/27 was 2.99%, equating to 14 pence per week for a Band D property, or 1 pence per week for working?age households in receipt of maximum support through the Council Tax Support Scheme.

The Portfolio Holder also advised that General Fund balances remained above the minimum required level of £3.65 million, leaving the Council in a resilient financial position to move towards Local Government Reorganisation.

The Strategic Director and Chief Financial Officer informed members that the Financial Settlement had been received on 9 February.  She advised that there had been an increase of £83,120 for homelessness, rough sleeping and Domestic Abuse Services which was welcomed.  She reiterated that the Council was in a strong position in terms of financial resilience.

Members welcomed the budget, in particular:

·         The additional funding available for the environment supporting improvements to waste and recycling;

·         funding to strengthen hardship support for residents;

·         extra support for skills which would improve the life chances for many residents;

·         the increase in Members’ Local Community Budgets and the funding allocated to the 80^th Anniversary celebrations.

The Strategic Director and Chief Finance Officer and her team were thanked for the work put in to this year’s budget.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the 2025/26 revised net expenditure on the General Fund of £10,585,490 as set out in paragraph 4.8.1 be approved.

2.    That for 2025/26 the sum of £250,000 be transferred to the Capital earmarked reserve to support the Draft Capital Strategy as set out in paragraph 4.2.6 and be included in the revised net expenditure of £10,585,490.

3.    The draft General Fund Budget for 2026/27 of £13,587,330 be proposed, with a contribution to balances of £241 and a Band D Council Tax of £253.78, (assuming a 2.99% Council Tax increase).

4.    The updated position on the General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as summarised in section 4.10 be noted.

5.    The minimum level of General Fund reserves of £3,648,355, based on the 2026/27 risk assessment of balances, as shown at Appendix C to this report, be approved.

6.    The contingency sum of £500,000 within which the Cabinet can approve supplementary estimates (in addition to the General Fund net budget), be approved for 2026/27 (reflecting the level of balances available above the minimum amount).  With a further £500,000 approved specifically for additional Local Government Reorganisation transition costs if required.

7.    The 2026/27 Balancing the Budget options as set out in section 4.5 and Appendix A of the report, totalling £84,640 for the General Fund, be  ...  view the full decision text for item 4.

To approve revisions to the 2025/26 Capital Programme and Strategy and approve the 2026/27 Capital Programme.

The Cabinet considered a report in respect of the Capital Strategy 2025/26 – 2029/30 for onward recommendation to Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance advised that £7.9?million of new capital growth bids were recommended following detailed review by Officers and the Council’s Cross Party, Financial Security Group (CFSG).

The Strategic Director and Chief Finance Officer advised that the ability to invest in capital was as a result of the fair funding deal and that a significant amount of the Councils borrowing related to the self financing deal and the 30 year Business Plan.  She was pleased to report that the improved financial position allowed improvements in assets such as the Theatre to be funded.

Members welcomed the 27 supported schemes and endorsed the overall funding approach, which together safeguarded key operational assets, maintained financial resilience, and ensured the deliverability of the Council’s longer?term regeneration objectives.

In particular, Members welcomed:

·         The replacement of the Ridlins athletic running track;

·         Improvements to the Gordon Craig Theatre including carpets and lighting;

·         The new Sports and Leisure Centre;

·         The proposed new sign for Fairlands Valley Park;

·         Refurbishment of play equipment across the Town.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the final General Fund growth bids identified for inclusion in the Capital Strategy (section 4.2, and Appendix A to the report) be approved totalling £7.9Million for 2026/27-2028/29.
 

2.    That the Final General Fund Capital Budget for 2025/26 to 2029/30 of £118Million, as set out in Appendix B to the report be approved.

3.    That the forecast of and approach to resourcing the General Fund capital programme as outlined in the report (Paragraph 4.4) be approved.

4.    That the revenue contribution to capital, 2026/27 to 2028/29 as set out in table 4, paragraph 4.3.4 be approved of £4.6Million to fund the capital programme. 

5.    That the proposed use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) contributions of £225k as set out in section 4.6 be approved.

6.    That the approved revenue surplus in any year of up to £500K that can be allocated to the capital reserve to support capital expenditure be noted.

7.    That the comments from Council Financial Security Group and Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out in section 4.11 be noted.

8.    That the legal implications of Section 24 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 in relation to financial decisions (capital) made by a council that is due to be abolished or reorganised in section 5.2 be noted.

To provide Members with an update on the progress of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update now it has progressed to Examination in Public stage and to seek approval to consult on proposed Main Modifications to the Local Plan Partial Update in order to make the Plan ‘sound’ and ready for formal adoption.

Cabinet received a report giving a comprehensive update on the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update as it progressed through the statutory Examination in Public.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment advised that the modifications focussed on clarifying:

·         the climate change and sustainable development policies,

·         that the housing and employment requirements from the adopted 2019 Plan remain unchanged; and

·         ensuring updated policy wording is both evidence based and deliverable.

He advised that additional changes responded directly to issues explored during the Examination, including flexible application of new climate policies, updated housing accessibility standards, and consistency with national guidance.

Members thanked the Officers involved for their work on this matter.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the proposed changes to the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update, as set out in Appendix A and B, following Examination in Public in order to make the Plan sound be approved.

2.    That the Main Modifications as set out in Appendix A and B be approved and be subject to public consultation for 6 weeks, as directed by the Planning Inspector.

To consider the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy following considerations from Audit and Cabinet committees to recommend to Council.

Cabinet received a report on the Annual Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27 which set out how the Council would manage its borrowing, investments and cash flow in full accordance with CIPFA’s Codes.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance was pleased to advise that the Council’s investment performance remained strong, with average returns of 5.27% achieved up to December 2025.

It was RESOLVED that following consideration by the Audit Committee and the Cabinet, the 2026/27 Treasury Management Strategy be recommended to Council for approval.

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no urgent Part I Business.

To consider the following motions –

1.  That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.  That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

It was RESOLVED:

1. That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.
2. That the reasons for the following reports being in Part II were accepted, and that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

To consider, in accordance with financial regulations, to write off Council Tax and Former Tenant Housing related debts deemed irrecoverable which is properly due to the Council.

The Executive considered a Part II report in respect of Write Offs over £10k.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

To consider an option agreement for the sale of land.

The Executive considered a Part II report in respect of an Option Agreement for the sale of land.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no urgent Part II Business.