Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to set out the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 - 27. It also provides a general update on the Council’s overall financial position, including an overview of the current economic outlook

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the overall financial position, as detailed within the report.

(2)       To agree to consult on the new budget proposals, as set out in Appendices A and B of the report.

(3)       To agree to consult on a Council Tax increase of 4.99% (consisting of a 2.99% general increase plus 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept) in 2026/27.

(4)       To endorse the approach to the statutory process of consultation, scrutiny and equalities between November 2025 and February 2026, as set out in section ten of the report.

(5)       To endorse the changes to the technical budget assumptions underpinning the budget, as set out in sections six and seven of the report.

(6)       To note the position with regard to the funding for Schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in section eleven of the report.

(7)       To note the position with regard to the Housing Revenue Account, as set out in section twelve of the report.

(8)       To note the position with regard to the Capital programme, as set out in section thirteen of the report.

(9)       To note the revised Debt Recovery Policy, as set out in Appendix C of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 24 November 25

Councillor Mili Patel (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Finance & Resources setting out the Council’s budget proposals for 2026-27.  The report also provided a general update on the Council’s overall financial position, including not only the Council’s General Fund revenue budget but also Housing Revenue Account, Dedicated Schools Grant and Capital Programme as well as an overview of the current economic outlook.

In introducing the report, Councillor Mili Patel began by outlining the responsibility faced by Labour being in power at national, regional and local level and in seeking to make a real difference to communities being served.  As examples of the difference being made, reference was made at national level to recent introduction of the Renters Right Act and uplift being delivered in workers rights supported by activity being led by the Mayor for London at regional level in addressing air quality and the provision of free school meals.  At a local level, this had included the Administration in Brent delivering record levels of Community Infrastructure Levy investment in public realm and youth facilities alongside the track record in delivery of new affordable homes across the borough.  The approach needing to be delivered by Labour (as the governing party) in providing careful stewardship of taxpayers money and public finances was contrasted against that adopted by other parties in seeking to make populist and unfunded pledges without taking account of their wider impact, resulting in the need identified to ensure an honest approach with local residents.  As such the budget proposals detailed within the report were commended in seeking to provide a clear and evidenced based direction for Brent aimed at fixing the foundations to continue running an efficient, fair and future focussed Council despite the challenging and uncertain operating environment and wider economic context within which it continued to function.

Members were advised that it was within this context that the Council’s recent Autumn Budget proposals “Building a Better, Bolder Brent” had been submitted to the Chancellor.  The proposals set out six quick wins identified by the Council which it was felt would help to turn ambition into action. These included backing the West London Orbital rail line, reforming gambling laws to protect the boroughs high streets, giving councils powers to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation, ensuring major events at Wembley contributed directly to local culture, creating a new long-term housing partnership with Government and delivering much needed reform to local government finance.

At the same time, it was felt that the Council’s budget proposals also served to highlight wider progress focussed locally on the delivery of cleaner streets, safer town centres, better transport, fairer housing, all of which had been designed to unlock pride in the borough.  In seeking to fix the foundations, however, the need to be honest about the challenges faced and to be realistic about the measures needed to address them was also recognised given the ongoing impact being experienced as a result of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10