Scrutiny Committee 12 November 2026 6.30pm

Winchester City Council Scrutiny Committee meeting, 12 November 2026. The committee reviewed the General Fund budget options and medium-term financial strategy, including a projected £1.5 million deficit in the additional forecast year and a need to address it through a future resilience programme. Members discussed provision for around £100,000 for bins to support simpler recycling, a further £3 million increase in estimated Guildhall restoration costs, and an additional £200,000 annual transfer to the car parks reserve. These items were presented for scrutiny rather than approval; members asked for a Guildhall business case and further information on one-off budget pressures before Cabinet decisions. The committee also noted Cabinet approval of an extension to the Biffa waste collection contract. The Brook Shopping Centre item was considered in exempt session, so its details and outcome are not available in the transcript; the public-exclusion motion was agreed.

On the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan, the committee heard of a £137 million additional borrowing requirement through 2032–33, £45 million of existing borrowing to refinance over five years, and £41.9 million budgeted for retrofit—an increase of £6 million. The proposals identify just over £1 million in savings toward a further £1.3 million target, including £400,000 from rent convergence. Members also reviewed the leisure-contract task-and-finish report and agreed its recommendations should go to Cabinet, with additional comments on reporting complaints and future adaptation needs. No contract award or new procurement approval was made by the committee in the open session.