The Cabinet of Westminster Council met on Thursday 17 February 2022, approving a new Pay Policy, a Capital Strategy, and a Responsible Procurement and Commissioning Strategy. The meeting also saw the Council agree to freeze the general element of Council Tax for the upcoming year, while increasing the Adult Social Care precept by 1%.

Business and Financial Planning 2022/23 to 2024/25

The Cabinet discussed the proposed budget for 2022/23, which is balanced and supported by a medium-term financial plan extending to 2024/25, all aligned with the Council's City for All strategy. A key decision was made to freeze the general element of Council Tax for the forthcoming year, in response to cost-of-living pressures faced by residents. However, the Adult Social Care precept will see a 1% increase to support service delivery, amounting to an additional 9p per week for a Band D property. The Council will also maintain its Council Tax Support scheme, ensuring those on low incomes receive 100% support. The budget includes £16.7 million in savings for 2022/23, achieved through income generation and efficiencies rather than service cuts. Gerald Almeroth, Executive Director for Finance and Resources, confirmed the robustness of the budget-setting process, including scrutiny by the Budget Task Group (BTG). The Cabinet recommended these financial plans for approval at Full Council.

Capital Strategy 2022/23 to 2026/27

The Cabinet reviewed the Capital Strategy, which outlines the Council's plans for capital investment totalling £2.7 billion over the next 15 years. This strategy is crucial for achieving the City for All objectives, including the delivery of affordable homes, the expansion of electric vehicle charging points, public realm improvements, and enhancements to the Council's digital services. The investment programme is funded through various sources, including grants and external funding, with £1.1 billion generated from capital receipts from development schemes. The report also detailed the governance arrangements, such as the Capital Review Group, and the business case process for significant investments. The Cabinet recommended the Capital Strategy for approval at Full Council.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2022/23

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for 2022/23 was presented, detailing plans to maintain and renew the Council's housing stock of 20,000 homes. The HRA will support a £2.215 billion investment programme over 30 years, including £850 million for new affordable homes. The remaining £1.359 billion is allocated to ensure the existing housing stock is maintained to a high standard, providing safe and energy-efficient homes in line with carbon reduction targets. The plan assumes rents will rise in line with regulatory limits, with Westminster rents remaining, on average, £170 per annum lower than the national target rent. The HRA business plan also includes a £575,000 Hardship Fund to support tenants experiencing financial difficulties. The Cabinet recommended the HRA Business Plan for approval at Full Council.

Responsible Procurement and Commissioning Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Responsible Procurement and Commissioning Strategy, which will guide how the Council spends its significant budget on third-party services and contracts. The strategy aims to drive positive action on key issues, such as tackling the climate emergency through the supply chain, and to deliver greater social impacts. It will also provide incentives for small and medium-sized businesses in Westminster, as well as benefits for residents and communities. The strategy includes 16 commitments in its first phase. Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE, Leader of the Opposition, highlighted that the Council spends over £500 million annually on third-party services and contracts, presenting an opportunity to address the climate emergency, improve worker rights, and ensure diverse and inclusive services. The Cabinet recommended all other recommendations within the report for approval at Full Council.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23 to 2026/27

The Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23 to 2026/27 was presented, outlining the Council's plans and limits for borrowing, cash investments, and prudential indicators. The strategy prioritises security, stability, and prudence in the Council's borrowing needs and the management of surplus cash, supporting capital investment plans while maximising affordability within revenue budgets. The Cabinet recommended this strategy for approval at Full Council.

Integrated Investment Framework 2022/23

The Cabinet reviewed the Integrated Investment Framework for 2022/23, which sets out the Council's broad investment portfolio, strategic objectives, approach to risk, and parameters such as medium-term target returns. The framework also limits direct property investment to strategic acquisitions within the borough. The Cabinet recommended this framework for approval at Full Council.

Pay Policy

The Cabinet considered the Pay Policy for 2022/23, which the City Council is required to publish annually by 31 March. The Cabinet recommended this Pay Policy for approval at Full Council.

Fees and Charges – amendment to report of 13 December

An error was identified in a Fees and Charges report presented to Cabinet in December 2021, affecting the calculation of a group of charges. A schedule of corrections has been sent to the Cabinet Member for City Management and Environment for approval to ensure the intended changes are correctly implemented. The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2021 were signed as a true and correct record of proceedings.