The Full Council of Haringey Council convened on Monday, 2nd March 2026, with a packed agenda focused primarily on the borough's financial future. Key discussions were scheduled around the approval of the 2026/27 budget and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031, which included proposals for Council Tax increases and significant capital investment plans. The meeting also addressed the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026/27 and the adoption of the Capital Strategy 2026-2036, outlining the Council's approach to investment and financing over the next decade. Additionally, the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was presented for approval.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 - 2030/31

The council's financial position was a central theme, with discussions revolving around the proposed General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031. It was noted that Haringey, like many local authorities, faces significant financial challenges due to rising demand for services, inflation, and historic government underfunding. The budget proposals relied on an assumed Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) of £89.2 million from the government to set a balanced budget for 2026/27. This reliance on EFS was highlighted as unsustainable, with plans for a financial recovery and a focus on reducing future reliance on such support.

The budget included allocations for key services such as adult and children's social care, homelessness prevention, parks, libraries, and council housing. Proposed savings and income generation measures were also detailed, alongside the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy. The Council Tax was proposed to increase by 2.99%, with an additional 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept, bringing the total Band D Council Tax to £1,803.56. The report also noted the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept for 2026/27.

The Dedicated Schools Budget (DSB) for 2026/27 was also presented, outlining allocations for the Schools Block, Central Services Block, High Needs Block, and Early Years Block. Concerns were raised about the deficit in the High Needs Block, despite the Safety Valve Programme.

Capital Strategy and Programme

The Council's overarching framework for capital investment, financing, and governance was presented for adoption in the form of the Capital Strategy 2026–2036. This strategy aims to ensure that all capital decisions are affordable, prudent, and aligned with the Borough Vision 2035. It emphasizes a focus on strategic outcomes, financial sustainability, and risk management, with a commitment to prioritising legal, statutory, and health & safety obligations, followed by continued investment in schemes already under construction, and finally, delivering strategic objectives such as new affordable housing.

The proposed General Fund Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2030/31 amounted to £949.2 million, with a significant portion (£489.2 million) attributed to Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). The funding for this programme was outlined as a mix of grants, capital receipts, revenue contributions, and borrowing. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme was presented in a separate report, detailing substantial investment in existing stock and new builds.

Key capital projects discussed included the High Road West Redevelopment programme, waste vehicle replacements, school modifications, and significant investment in the Broadwater Farm estate regeneration. The new homes programme, aiming to deliver 3,000 Council homes by 2031, was also highlighted as a major capital commitment.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27

The Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) for 2026/27 was presented, outlining the Council's approach to managing its cash flows, borrowing, and investments. The strategy aimed to achieve a balance between securing low interest costs and ensuring certainty of those costs over the period funds are required, while maintaining flexibility. The Council's borrowing limits, including the Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary, were detailed, alongside the maturity structure of borrowing. The strategy also addressed the use of financial derivatives and the Council's investment counterparty list and limits.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The General Purposes Committee presented the draft Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 for approval. This statutory document outlines the Council's approach to pay and conditions of service for its employees, including senior leadership, and aims to ensure transparency and value for money. It detailed pay scales, progression through pay bands, and the use of market supplement payments in exceptional circumstances. The statement also included the Council's pay multiple, comparing the highest paid employee's earnings to the median and lowest paid employees.

Other Matters

The meeting also included the receipt of apologies for absence and consideration of late items of business. Declarations of interest were to be made by members in accordance with council rules. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 November 2025 were scheduled for approval. Communications from the Mayor were also to be received, which included highlights of his attendance at various civic events and the appointment of Mayoral Cadets. The Leader of the Council was also scheduled to make announcements, including the 16 Days of Action for the prevention of violence against women and girls and concerns raised with the Home Secretary regarding proposed immigration and asylum reforms.

The meeting was scheduled to receive reports from various bodies, including the Audit Committee, Licensing Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Standards Committee. Deputations and petitions related to the budget were also to be considered. Finally, the Council was scheduled to answer questions and consider motions in accordance with its rules of procedure.