URL: https://democracy.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9781

Decision Maker: Executive Board, Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: This report seeks to gain approval to set budgets, note HRA Rents, set the Capital Programmes, Reserves Contributions and Council Tax amongst other approvals sought.

Content: Resolved:   1.  That the Executive Board approve delegated authority to the Chief Executive and Director of Resources (S151 Officer), following consultation with the Leader, to amend the Council Tax, NK Financial Plan and Treasury Management Indicators to reflect the outcome of the final Local Government Financial Settlement and the receipt of any further precepts and levies.   2.  To consider this report, associated appendices and the recommendations to Council below.   Recommended to Council:   General Fund   1.  That a balanced budget, reflecting gross expenditure of £65,242,300 less gross income of £43,084,700 resulting in a General Fund net budget requirement for 2026/27 of £21,257,600 be approved.   2.  That the working balance required by the Reserves Policy remains at a minimum of £1,800,000 for 2026/27.   Council Tax Levels   3.  That the Council approves a £5.76 (2.96%) increase in Council Tax for 2025/26, from £194.40 in 2025/26 to £200.16 2026/27.   4.  For the purpose of section 35(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the expenses of £226,000 be incurred by the Council in performing the Footway Lighting function, which is also performed by Parish/Town Councils in other areas of the district, be confirmed as a special expense.   5.  The levels of Council Tax for 2026/27 be approved.   Housing Revenue Account   6.  To note that charges for dwelling rents were approved to be increased by 4.8% by Council on 22 January 2026. The increase is in adherence with Formula Rent calculations and will be effective from Monday 6 April 2026.   7.  That the working balance required by the Reserves Policy remains at a minimum of £1,000,000 for 2026/27.   Reserves   8.  That the Council’s Reserves Policy for 2026/27 be approved.   9.  That the reserves movements be approved.   10.That a new reserve for the purpose of Local Government Reorganisation transitional costs be approved and contributions of £2,500,000 are appropriated to this reserve in each of 2026/27 and 2027/28.   Capital Strategy and Programme   11.That the Council’s Capital Strategy 2026/27, which is intended to direct the Council’s Capital Programme and allocation of resources for the period 2026/27 to 2035/36, be approved.   12.That the Council’s Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2035/36 be approved.   Treasury Management   13.That the Treasury Management Strategy, Principles and Practices, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2026/27 to 2028/29 be approved.

Date of Decision: February 3, 2026