Decision

The Executive resolved as
follows:
 

1.    
To recommend to Council the level of net expenditure
for the draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27 of
£229,630,000 (ref. paragraph 6.11 and Appendix 4a, to the
Executive report)
 

2.    
To recommend to Council a level of budget savings of
£12.5m noting that this amount had been updated following the
Government’s Final Financial Settlement, approval of the
associated Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy (Appendix 4g
to the Executive report) and incorporating a Council Tax increase
of 4.99% made up of 2.99% plus a 2% Adult Social Care
precept.
 

3.    
To note that the precepts for Fire and Police will
be reported to Full Council on 23 February 2026 as the rates are
not agreed until 23 February 2026 and week commencing the 16
February 2026 respectively.
 

4.    
To recommend to Council that the Chief Executive be
authorised to take any necessary steps to ensure any staffing
savings are achieved (ref. paragraph 6.16)
 

5.    
To recommend to Council the proposed use of the
Dedicated Schools Grant Budget for 2026/27 (ref. paragraph 6.9.1
and Appendix 4c, to the Executive report).
 

6.    
To recommend to Council the allocation of schools
funding for 2026/27 (ref. paragraph 6.9.1 and Appendix 4c, to the
Executive report).
 

7.    
To recommend to Council a target level of working
balances of £7.8m by 31 March 2027 (ref. paragraph
7.6.13).
 

8.    
To recommend to Council that due regard is given to
the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves in the
budget proposals for 2026/27 (ref. section 7.6).
 

9.    
To consider any further facts, information and
stakeholder feedback which may emerge and report the details to the
meeting of the Council on 23 February 2026.