Purpose

As detailed in the report

Decision

1.   
That the following elements of the budget for 2025/26 as its
initial proposals subject to further consultation and scrutiny, be
approved, namely:

 

a)   
The budget requirement pre use of reserves as set out in Table
B.

b)   
The budget savings and cost pressures covering the 2025/26
financial year, as set out in Appendix A.

c)   
The draft capital investment programme 2024/25 onwards set out in
Appendix B, which is inclusive of £20m additional investment
for the Economic Investment Fund separately approved by the
Executive.
 
2.   
That the budget proposal currently assumes a 2.99% council tax
increase and £9.7m use of reserves and additional savings,
and that different options are also being considered for precept
setting, set out in Table E of the report, be noted.

 
3.   
That the Executive reserves its position in relation to the precept
setting options being considered and consequent use of reserves for
the 2025/26 budget pending further consultation, scrutiny,
unexpected cost base changes and final funding announcements.
 
4.   
That the carrying out of consultation and scrutiny on the
Executive’s initial proposals as set out in paragraph 1,
together with all the options referred to in paragraph 2, be
approved.