Decision details

That Council, for the reasons set out in this report and appendices, agrees:

1.            To increase the Hammersmith & Fulham element of council tax by 1.99% for 2021/22, as modelled by the government in their spending power calculations for local government.

2.            To apply the “adult social care precept” levy of 3% for 2021/22, as modelled by the government in their spending power calculations for local government.

3.            To set the Council’s own total net expenditure budget for 2021/22 at £124.458m.

4.            To approve £7.885m of new investment on key services for residents.

5.            To approve fees and charges as set out in paragraph 13 below including freezing charges in adult social care, children’s services and general fund housing.

6.            To note the budget projections to 2024/25 made by the Director of Finance in consultation with the Strategic Leadership Team.

7.            To note the statement of the Director of Finance, under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, regarding the adequacy of reserves and robustness of estimates (paragraph 48).

8.            To approve the reserves strategy and realignment of reserves as set out in Appendix J and Appendix K.

9.            To require all Directors to report on their projected financial position compared to their revenue estimates in accordance with the Corporate Revenue Monitoring Report timetable.

10.         To authorise Directors to implement their service spending plans for 2021/22 in accordance with the recommendations within this report and the Council's Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, relevant Schemes of Delegation and undertake any further consultation required regarding the Equalities Impact Assessment.

11.         Set the Council’s element of council tax for 2021/22 for each category of dwelling, as outlined in the table below and in full in Appendix A and calculated in accordance with Sections 31A to 49B of the Localism Act 2011.

12.         To note the element of council tax  to be charged by the Greater London Authority in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each of the categories of dwellings as shown in the table below

13.         That the overall Council Tax to be set at £1,195.62 per Band D property as follows

14.      To authorise the Director of Finance to collect and recover National Non-Domestic Rate and Council Tax in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (as amended), the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.