Purpose

This report sets out the draft budget for
2026/27, outlines proposed savings to achieve a balanced budget,
and provides an updated Medium Term Financial Plan covering the
period 2026 to 2031.

Decision

Executive agreed that:
a) The draft General Fund Budget for 2026/27
is proposed for consultation purposes and a Band D Council Tax of
£207.03 (assuming a 2.99% Council Tax increase).
b) The updated position on the General Fund
Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as shown in Appendix A be
noted.
c) the proposed fees and charges, as set out
in Appendix B, be approved for consultation.
d) The minimum level of General Fund balance
of £3.649 Million, based on the 2026/27 risk assessment of
balances as shown in paragraph 6.3, is approved.
e) The pressures identified in section 4 of
the report is noted.
f) The savings identified in section 5 of the
report is noted.
g) The Section 25 Statement of Robustness of
Estimates and Adequacy of Reserves as set out in Appendix D is
noted.
h) The decisions taken on recommendations a)
to g) above be referred to the Joint Meeting of Scrutiny Committees
on 28 January 2026 for consideration.