Purpose

An
update on the MTFP and Budget process for 2026-27

Content

(1)           
That the Cabinet noted the contents of the report, including:
 

(i)            
The updated General Fund Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) (2026/27 to 2028/29);

 

(ii)           
The updated Housing Revenue Account Budgets for 2026/27 to 2028/29;
and

 

(iii)          
The updated General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital
Programmes (2026/27 to 2028/29).
 
(2)           
That the Cabinet noted the proposed savings and growth items were
indicative only at this stage (rather than clear budget proposals)
and that the views of the Cabinet were sought to help enable the
development of firmer proposals for inclusion in the initial draft
budget in December 2025.
 
(3)           
That the Cabinet discussed it was sensible to end the co-mingling
of waste and hoped the Council would introduce green waste charges
to bring EFDC in line with all the other Essex local authorities to
help address the underlying remaining budget deficit in order to
set a balanced – and sustainable – budget for
2026/27.
 
(4)           
That the Cabinet discussed the challenges of bringing in new
income, but no actions were agreed (in the context of the updated
Medium-Term Financial Plan) for the further refinement of the
Capital Programme.