Issue - meetings

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

1. To increase the Hammersmith & Fulham element of Council Tax by 2.99% as modelled by the government in its spending power calculations for local government

2. To apply the Adult Social Care precept levy of 2% as modelled bythe government in its spending power calculations for local government.

3. To set the council’s own total net expenditure budget for 2023/24 at £132.627m

4.    To approve £10.651m of new investment on key services for residents.

5.    To approve fees and charges, as set out in paragraph 10, including freezing charges in adult social care, children’s services, and general fund housing.

6.    To note the budget projections to 2026/27 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 37).

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 2023/24 in accordance with the recommendations within this report, 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 2023/24 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, based on the Mayor of London’s draft consolidated budget, 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 £1,306.00 per Band D property as follows:

The Leader stressed that the continuing national economic conditions of high inflation and interest rates presented many significant challenges to the Council and were affecting residents across the borough. The Council aimed to be the best in the country in offering value for money. With the third lowest Council Tax in the country, only 52% or residents paid the full Council Tax, which meant that 48% were receiving support. Despite the austerity within local government with budget cuts since 2010, services were still being maintained and delivered in addition to new services introduced, such as free adult social care, free breakfast meals for children in all primary schools, a new Law Enforcement Team to keep the streets safe and clean.

The Leader praised Sharon Lea, the Interim Chief Executive, and senior officers, for their commitment to providing residents with good quality services on budget.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS:

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

1. To increase the Hammersmith & Fulham element of Council Tax by 2.99% as modelled by the government in its spending power calculations for local government

2. To apply the Adult Social Care precept levy of 2% as modelled bythe government in its spending power calculations for local government.

3. To set the council’s own total net expenditure budget for 2023/24 at £132.627m

4.    To approve £10.651m of new investment on key services for residents.

5.    To approve fees and charges, as set out in paragraph 10, including freezing charges in adult social care, children’s services, and general fund housing.

6.    To note the budget projections to 2026/27 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 37).

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 2023/24 in accordance with the recommendations within this report, 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 2023/24 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, based on the Mayor of London’s draft consolidated budget, the element of Council Tax to be charged by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6