URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4122

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content:    Councillor Curtis – Resources Portfolio   Consideration was given to a report detailing the expected activities of the Council’s Treasury function in the financial year 2026/27, including the Prudential Indicators, in relation to Treasury Management for 2026/27 and beyond. In addition, the Annual Investment Strategy detailed the investment instruments available to the Council and proposed which of these instruments the Council utilised.   The Council had an obligation when considering the Budget to take into account the Prudential Code and set the Prudential Indicators, whether or not it decided to borrow. The Code did not include any suggested limits or ratios, as this would be for the Council to set, subject to any controls under Section 4 of the Local Government Act 2003.   The Prudential Code laid down clear governance procedures for setting and revising Prudential Indicators, with the S151 Officer bearing the responsibility for:   ·       Ensuring that the Council had taken into account all matters specified by the Code; and ·       Monitoring compliance with established limits approved by full Council before the beginning of each financial year.   In setting or revising the Indicators, the Council was required to have regard to the following matters:   ·       Affordability, e.g. implications for Council Tax; ·       Prudence and sustainability, e.g. implications for external borrowing; ·       Value for money, e.g. options appraisals; ·       Stewardship of assets, e.g. asset management planning; ·       Service objectives, e.g. strategic planning for the Council; and ·       Practicality, e.g. achievability of the Forward Plan.   The options available to The Cabinet were to:   1.   Accept the 2026/27 Treasury Strategy Statement as recommended, or amend the Strategy or its limits as appropriate; and   2.   Approve the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 as recommended, or amend as appropriate.   Accordingly, it was   RECOMMENDED to Council:   (1)       That the 2026/27 Treasury Management Strategy Statement, attached as Appendix 1 to the agenda report, be endorsed and the following limits be set for:   a)  The overall borrowing limit, £25m; and b)  The short-term borrowing limit £16m.   (2)       That the proposed Prudential Indicators for 2026/27, contained within Appendix 1, be approved;   (3)       That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy statement, as set out in Section 2 of Appendix 1 to the agenda report, be approved;   (4)       That the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27, as set out in Section 4 of Appendix 1 to the agenda report, be approved; and   (5)       That the Capital Strategy 2026/27 – 2030/31, as set out in Appendix 2 to the agenda report, be approved.   Note: This item is not subject to call-in to the OSC as the item is subject to a recommendation to Council.    

Date of Decision: February 9, 2026