Decision details

RESOLVED:-

(KEY DECISION)

a)      Approved for consultation the 2022-23 Draft Budget, which includes:

i.          An estimated net revenue budget of £293.2m (£618.6m including the Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A, noting that this is subject to further update following the publication of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

ii.         An average Band D Council Tax of £1,578.73 for North Northamptonshire Council, representing a 1.99% increase in the ‘core’ Council Tax and a further 1% for the Adult Social Care Precept.

iii.        Net Pressures of £8.2m, including adjustments for the reversal of one-off funding in 2021-22, and savings and income generation proposals of £7.6m as set out in Appendix B.

iv.        That the draft fees and charges proposed at Appendix C be subject to further review

v.         Corporate budget requirements as set out in paragraph 8.1, including a contingency sum of £4.250m as set out in paragraph 8.2.

vi.        The draft planned use of, contribution to, and movement in, reserves as identified in paragraph 5.54 and section 9 of the report, noting the reserves will be reviewed again prior to the final budget proposals to consider the risk applying at that time.

vii.      The provisional dedicated schools grant budget of £325.4m for 2022-23, pending the Final Settlement, as detailed in Appendix D.

b)     For the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG):

i.          Noted the provisional allocations of the increased funding for the Schools Block and High Needs Block for 2022-23 and reduced Central School Services Block for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocations.

ii        Following consultation with the Schools Forum, delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children’s Services in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation, Director for Children’s Services, and the Executive Director of Finance (S151 Officer) to determine the DSG 2022-23 schools funding formula, high needs funding arrangements and the early years funding formula in line with Department for Education guidance.

c)      Endorsed the budget consultation process as outlined at paragraphs 13.13 to 13.17 which commences following the approval of the recommendations in this report.

d)      Noted that the funding allocations are estimates at this stage and will not be confirmed until the publication of the Local Government Finance Settlement.

e)      Delegated authority to the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) to amend the draft budget following the publication of the Local Government Finance Settlement.

Reason for Decisions: To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitution and legislative requirements in setting the budget for North Northamptonshire Council from 2022-23.