Decision

Cabinet noted that the final figures would be updated following recent announcement of the final Financial Settlement from Government.  These will be updated in the papers for Council.

RECOMMENDED 1

It is recommended that Council note the revision to the Forecast for 2024/2025 as set out in the report.

RECOMMENDED 2

Council is recommended to approve the Policy on Earmarked Reserves and General Fund Balance and the maximum balances set for the reserves as noted in the report and at Appendix 8 of the report.

RECOMMENDED 3

That Council :

1) Approves the budget requirement of £26,329,130 for 2025/2026 and notes the projections for 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029.

2) Approves the Fees and Charges 2025/2026 detailed in Appendix 4a and 4b and approves the new Fees and Charges Policy at Appendix 4c

3) Approves the Pay Policy at Appendix 5

4) Approves the level of Special Expenses for the Town/Parish Councils as detailed in the report (Appendix 7).

5) Approves a Band D council tax of £152.87 for 2025/2026.

RECOMMENDED 4

That Council approves a minimum requirement of the General Fund balance for 2025/2026 of £1,316,460 (5% of estimated budget requirement).

RECOMMENDED 5

Pursuant to Section 25 of the Local Government Act, Council is asked to have due regard to this statement at Section 9 of this report when considering and approving the budget and the level of council tax for 2025/2026.