Purpose

To note and review the earmarked reserves held
by the council.

Decision

That:

a)   
The earmarked reserves and balances held by the council at 31 March
2025 are reviewed and confirmed as prudent to meet future financial
commitments and risks; and
 

b)   
The Earmarked Reserves and General Balances Policy Statement
2026/27 is approved and forecast balances to 31 March 2027 are
noted.

Alternative options considered

1.    
There is no alternative option to undertaking a review. Alternative
use of earmarked funds could be proposed, this is open for Cabinet
to determine. However should that mean that funds required for an
earmarked purpose are no longer available an alternative method of
funding would need to be secured. Not all earmarked funds may be
redirected for use – for example funding received from
external sources for a specified purpose may not be able to be
redirected if doing so would amount to a breach of funding
conditions.