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:
 

·      
The budget requirement as detailed in Table A2 of Appendix A.

·      
The budget savings and cost pressures covering the 2026/27
financial year, as detailed in Appendix B.

·      
The draft capital programme 2025/26 onwards as set out in Appendix
C; and;

·      
the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue
Provision Policy Statement and Annual Treasury Investment Strategy
2026/27 as set out in Appendix D.
 

2.   
That the budget proposal currently assumes a 4.99% council tax
increase, and that different options are also being considered for
precept setting, as outlined in Table A6 of Appendix A, be
noted.
 

3.   
That due to the timing of the settlement, the significant funding
reforms being implemented, and information still to be published by
Government, there remains potential for further refinements to the
budget proposal, be noted.

 

4.   
The Executive reserves its position in relation to the precept
setting options being considered and consequent use of reserves for
the 2026/27 budget in recognition of paragraph 3 and pending
further consultation, scrutiny, unexpected cost base changes and
final funding announcements; and

 

5.   
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.