Decision details

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Approved for consultation the 2024-25 Draft Budget, including:

                 i.          an estimated net revenue budget of £860.2m (£409.2m excluding Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A

                ii.          an average Band D Council Tax of £1,778.25 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase of 4.99%. (2.99% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2% Adult Social Care Precept)

              iii.          proposed Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix C

              iv.          provisional dedicated schools grant budget of £451m as detailed in Appendix D

               v.          the draft Capital Programme additions as set out in Appendix E.

b)    Note the estimated tax base for West Northamptonshire at 143,691.71 Band D equivalent properties, as set out in paragraph 6.56.

c)     Delegate authority to the Executive Director – Finance to agree and set the final tax base.

d)    Delegate authority to the Executive Director – Finance to take the necessary steps to introduce the new premiums on long term empty properties and second homes at the earliest opportunity as set out in paragraphs 6.59-6.61.

e)    For the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG):

                 i.          Notes the provisional allocations and planned usage of the DSG for 2024-25 pending the final DSG settlement

                ii.          Following consultation with the Schools Forum, delegates authority to the Executive Director for Children’s Services to determine the DSG 2024-25 schools funding formula, high needs funding arrangements and the Early Years Funding Formula in line with Department for Education guidance.

REASONS RESOLVED:

To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitution and all other relevant requirements in setting the budget for West Northamptonshire Council.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

The Council must set a budget. Full Alternatives will be considered for individual proposals where Cabinet approval is required.