The Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, was set to address a range of significant policy matters, including the adoption of a new Statement of Licensing Policy, the revision of the Local Development Scheme, and the forecast for Council Tax Base and Business Rates for the upcoming financial year. The meeting's agenda also included time for public and members' questions, as well as several motions proposed by councillors.

Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031

The Council was scheduled to consider the recommendation of Cabinet to adopt a revised Statement of Licensing Policy for the period 2026-2031. This policy, reviewed every five years as required by legislation, had undergone statutory consultation. The proposed updates included minor amendments to reflect changes in guidance and working practices, alongside new paragraphs on environmental best practice, the agent of change principle, counter-terrorism, spiking, the 'Ask For Angela' initiative, and pavement licensing. The policy aims to provide an up-to-date and effective framework for licensing matters within the Borough, ensuring a safe and regulated environment for licensed establishments and their users.

Local Development Scheme

A revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) was presented for consideration. The LDS serves as a project plan for the production of the Local Plan and other planning policy documents, outlining the intended documents and their respective timescales. The current LDS, adopted in February 2025, was due for revision due to changes in the planning policy context. The proposed updated scheme shifts key stages of the Local Plan production and consultation into 2026 and beyond, reflecting the need for a revised programme to ensure the delivery of a sound plan.

Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast 2026/2027

The meeting was to consider the proposed Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast for 2026/2027. This included a review of the Working Age Council Tax Reduction Scheme, with proposed amendments to take effect from 1 April 2026. These changes included applying a standard £10.00 non-dependant deduction across all schemes, reducing the maximum award for the vulnerable scheme from 80% to 75%, and increasing the non-dependant deduction from £10.00 to £12.00 per week. Additionally, the Council was to consider the introduction of a 100% Council Tax Premium on properties designated as second homes from 1 April 2026. The report also detailed the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2026/27, estimated at 107,349 Band D Equivalent Properties, and sought delegated authority for the Corporate Director of Finance to submit the NNDR1 return for Business Rates to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Greater London Authority.

Public Question Time

Members of the public were scheduled to have the opportunity to submit questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10. These questions would be directed to the relevant Cabinet Members or the Leader of the Council.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

This report was scheduled to cover several items, including the urgent implementation of decisions made since the last Council meeting, the programme of meetings for 2026/27, and the Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2024/25. The urgent decisions noted related to the Finance Modernisation Programme Phase 2 Contract Award, Corporate Insurance Contract Extension, and Housing Revenue Account New General Needs Housing Stock. The Audit Committee's annual report summarised its activities in overseeing internal and external audit, counter fraud, risk management, and the financial reporting process.

Members' Questions

Councillors were scheduled to submit questions to Cabinet Members and the Leader of the Council, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11. These questions covered a range of topics, including leaseholder service charges, road gritting, the cost of Exceptional Financial Support, household waste disposal, the borough's archives and museum, housing allocation policies, food waste collection, promotion of the new leisure centre, government funding, pothole repair technology, commercial lease debt, the role of CIPFA in financial scrutiny, accuracy of the draft budget, savings targets, council borrowing and debt levels, and the impact of proposed national planning legislation.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for consideration by the Council. Councillor Gardner proposed a motion regarding the review of funding for the CCTV service, highlighting concerns about insufficient staffing levels. Councillor Mathers proposed a motion welcoming increased funding from the Labour Government and calling on the Conservative-led local administration to use it responsibly. Councillor Tuckwell put forward a motion condemning proposed changes to national and London-wide planning legislation, citing threats to Green Belt land and local democratic control. Finally, Councillor Edwards proposed a motion expressing concern over the Home Office's restriction of local authorities' access to data on asylum seeker placements and calling for the reversal of this decision.