# Scrutiny Committee 12 November 2026 6.30pm

Winchester City Council Scrutiny Committee meeting, held on 12 November 2026, reviewed the draft General Fund budget and medium-term financial strategy, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan, quarterly performance, the leisure contract review and planning enforcement. The General Fund forecast a £1.5 million deficit in the additional year now included in the strategy. Members discussed a proposed £100,000 provision for recycling bins, a further £3 million increase in estimated Guildhall restoration costs, and an additional annual £200,000 transfer to the car parks reserve. Members requested business-case information before future spending decisions on the Guildhall and car parks; no spending approval was made on those items at this meeting. The report also identified the need to address changes to business-rates relief, including correcting the eligibility of hospices Rowans and Naomi House.

The HRA plan identified just over £1 million in potential savings against a further £1.3 million savings requirement, forecast £137 million in additional borrowing through 2032/33 and £45 million of borrowing to refinance over five years, and included £41.9 million for retrofit work. Proposed savings included £400,000 from rent convergence and £200,000 from a staffing restructure. Members also noted the reported Cabinet approval to extend the Biffa waste-collection contract, while the leisure-contract task-and-finish group’s recommendations were agreed for referral to Cabinet; no contract award or procurement vote took place at this meeting. Members asked for further scrutiny of digital transformation and planning-enforcement improvements. The Brook Shopping Centre item was considered in exempt session, after members agreed to exclude the public; its procurement or spending details are not available in the transcript.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Sources
- [Scrutiny Committee 12 November 2026 6.30pm](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF6xQoXmYmc) - Winchester City Council