Purpose

This report provides an update on emerging financial risks, and asks the Cabinet to agree the early strategic direction for setting the council’s 2026/27 budgets.

Decision

That Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

1. Note the economic update and emerging pressures set out in sections 4 and 5.
2. Agree the high-level approach to budget setting for 2027/28 set out in section 6.
3. Agree the high-level approach to public consultation set out in section 8.