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RESOLVED: That
Cabinet;

a)   
Approved for consultation the 2024-25 Draft Budget,
including:
                
i.         
an estimated net revenue budget of £860.2m
(£409.2m excluding Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in
Appendix A
               
ii.         
an average Band D Council Tax of £1,778.25 for
West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase
of 4.99%. (2.99% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2%
Adult Social Care Precept)
             
iii.         
proposed Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix
C
             
iv.         
provisional dedicated schools grant budget of
£451m as detailed in Appendix D
              
v.         
the draft Capital Programme additions as set out in
Appendix E.

b)   
Note the estimated tax base for West
Northamptonshire at 143,691.71 Band D equivalent properties, as set
out in paragraph 6.56.

c)    
Delegate authority to the Executive Director –
Finance to agree and set the final tax base.

d)   
Delegate authority to the Executive Director –
Finance to take the necessary steps to introduce the new premiums
on long term empty properties and second homes at the earliest
opportunity as set out in paragraphs 6.59-6.61.

e)   
For the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG):
                
i.         
Notes the provisional allocations and planned usage
of the DSG for 2024-25 pending the final DSG settlement
               
ii.         
Following consultation with the Schools Forum,
delegates authority to the Executive Director for Children’s
Services to determine the DSG 2024-25 schools funding formula, high
needs funding arrangements and the Early Years Funding Formula in
line with Department for Education guidance.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
 
To ensure that the Council
complies with its Constitution and all other relevant requirements
in setting the budget for West Northamptonshire Council.
 
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
 
The Council must set a budget.
Full Alternatives will be considered for individual proposals where
Cabinet approval is required.