Decision details

1. To approve the Final Budget for 2023/24 and MTFS for 2023/24 to 2025/26 and recommend to Full Council.

2. To approve the Council Tax for 2023/24 and recommend to Full Council.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the draft budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2026/27 for general consultation as set out in Appendices 1(A and B) and 2 of the officer report, be approved, so that Cabinet may later consider the budget including the consultation responses and the equality impact assessment (s), before it was referred to Council in February 2024;

(2)            the draft budget would be updated when the detail was announced in the Indicative Financial Settlement which was expected on 19 December followed by the Final Settlement in January 2024 (paragraph 1.07 of the officer report refers);

(3)            at draft budget stage, there remained an estimated budget gap of £0m for 2024/25, £12.466m for 2025/26 and £6.732m for 2026/27;

(4)            the proposal to increase core Council Tax by 2.99% in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 (paragraph 1.19 and 1.21 of the officer report refers). be noted;

(5)            the proposal to increase Adult Social Care Precept Council Tax by 2% in 2024/25 and then by 0% per annum in 2025/26 and 2026/27 in respect of the Adult Social Care Precept (paragraph 1.19 and 1.21 of the officer report refers), be noted;

(6)            the draft Public Health budget for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix 3 of the officer report, be approved;

(7)            there were no proposed structured changes to the schools funding formula for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix 4.of the officer report;

(8)            the assumed funding for the protection of social care 2024/25 through the Better Care Fund (paragraphs 1.38 to 1.41 of the officer report refers), be noted;

(9)            the Interim Director of Finance and Assurance, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Human Resources, be authorised to agree Harrow’s 2024/25 contribution to the London Borough’s Grant Scheme (paragraph 1.46 of the officer report refers);

(10)        final approval would be sought from Cabinet and Council in February 2024.

Reason for Decision:  To ensure that the Council published a draft budget for 2024/25 and a draft MTFS to 2026/27.