Agenda item

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

Notice of Decisions to follow in separate document.

The Strategic Director (Chief Financial Officer, CFO) updated the Committee that the report did not reflect the final settlement, as this had only been received on 9 February 2026 and the CFO advised a verbal update was provided to Cabinet.

Members were advised that as part of the final settlement additional Government funding was made available nationally to ensure that no Councils were disadvantaged as a result of technical issues relating to the pooling of gains.

It was reported that, for the Council, the final settlement had resulted in a positive impact through additional ring-fenced funding of £83,000. It was noted that the CFO confirmed the outcome of the fair funding review was good news for Stevenage.

The CFO advised that the report to Council would include an update setting out the differences between the provisional and final settlement, including the additional grant funding.

In response to questions, Officers explained that the budget allowed for an annual hard prune of areas across the town.  

Questions were raised regarding the total amount provisioned for Local Government Reorganisation. The Committee were advised that while some work to date had been absorbed within existing staff resources, additional capacity is required across Hertfordshire.

Members were also informed that, as the programme moved into the transition phase, district and borough councils had collectively agreed to contribute £1 million over two years, alongside a £10 million contribution from the County Council. The funding would be required to support work up to the establishment of the shadow authority, which could not be delivered within existing resources.

Members sought assurance on how the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding was allocated. Members were advised that decisions were made through the established governance process, with strategic allocations approved by Cabinet. Officers explained they would provide a summary of CIL commitments and remaining balances in the 4^th Quarter Monitoring report (Revenue and Capital). The Director of Planning and Regulation stated that there were limitations regarding what CIL monies could be spent on.

It was noted that if the CIL amount was above £75,000 it would go to Cabinet and if it was below this amount it would be delegated to the relevant Officer.

The Committee noted the decisions of Cabinet.