URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2740

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks final confirmation of the recommendations to be made to Council, on 20 February 2026, in respect of the revenue budget, capital programme and council tax 2026/27.    On 7 January 2026, the Executive reviewed the Council’s overall finance strategy and considered proposals relating to the capital and revenue budgets and the council tax for 2026/27. The report updates the Council’s budgets to reflect any decisions taken and other known changes since 7 January 2026, including the provisional local government finance settlement.   The capital programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30 will be £32,743,100 which is no change from the January Executive report figure.  There are sufficient resources projected to be available to fund the programme.   The net revenue budget for 2026/27 will be £16,151,300.  With core funding estimated to be £5,439,731 and other income sources and use of reserves totalling £1,836,900 this leaves the total amount due from the council taxpayers to be £8,874,669.   This level of council tax for 2026/27 equates to £197.14 per Band D property.  This represents an increase of £5.72 from the council tax set for 2025/26 and is within the 2.99% referendum threshold set by the Government.   Options for lower levels of council tax increase are included in the report and discussed in the context of the current level of reserves available.

Content: This report seeks final confirmation of the recommendations to be made to Council, on 20 February 2026, in respect of the revenue budget, capital programme and council tax 2026/27.    On 7 January 2026, the Executive reviewed the Council’s overall finance strategy and considered proposals relating to the capital and revenue budgets and the council tax for 2026/27. The report updates the Council’s budgets to reflect any decisions taken and other known changes since 7 January 2026, including the provisional local government finance settlement.   The capital programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30 will be £32,743,100 which is no change from the January Executive report figure.  There are sufficient resources projected to be available to fund the programme.   The net revenue budget for 2026/27 will be £16,151,300.  With core funding estimated to be £5,439,731 and other income sources and use of reserves totalling £1,836,900 this leaves the total amount due from the council taxpayers to be £8,874,669.   This level of council tax for 2026/27 equates to £197.14 per Band D property.  This represents an increase of £5.72 from the council tax set for 2025/26 and is within the 2.99% referendum threshold set by the Government.   Options for lower levels of council tax increase are included in the report and discussed in the context of the current level of reserves available. RESOLVED that the Executive approves and recommends to the meeting of the Council to be held on 20 February 2026:   (a)  the capital programme and financing of £32,743,100;   (b)  a net revenue budget for 2026/27 of £16,151,300;   (c)  a council tax for Fareham Borough Council for 2026/27 of £197.14 per band D property, which represents a £5.72 increase when compared to the current year and is within referendum limits.  

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026