Decision Maker: Policy Review Committee, Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026

Purpose: Hertsmere’s current Financial Strategy was last approved by the full Council in July 2018 covering the period 2018/19 to 2021/22 (C/18/27). This strategy was based on the then current economic conditions, government funding and other pressures and influences that were likely to impact on the Council’s finances at that time. A revised draft Financial Strategy was presented to the Cabinet in September 2025 for consideration and the Cabinet recommended the draft Financial Strategy to the Policy Review Committee for their review and comment. The draft Financial Strategy was presented to the Policy Review Committee at their meeting on 4 November 2025. The Committee raised a number of questions in relation to homelessness, savings, reserves and contingency, Council Tax, Hertsmere Developments Limited and the Fair Funding Review. These were responded to by the Assistant Director – Finance and are recorded in the draft printed minutes. Subsequent to the Financial Strategy being presented to the Policy Committee, the outcome of the Fair Funding Review and the resulting multi-year provisional finance settlement covering the spending review period 2025/26 to 2028/29 was announced on 17 December 2025. The Fair Funding Review and multi-year settlement are discussed in the Revenue Budget report earlier on this agenda and the Financial Strategy has now been further updated to reflect the latest funding position. The Cabinet considered the updated Financial Strategy 2026 on the 14 January 2026 to consider recommendation to the Full Council for adoption.  An update will be given at the meeting if appropriate.

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