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RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That
it:
 

(1)           
Notes the position on the Collection Fund and how it
will be funded.

(2)           
Notes the position relating to the General Fund
balance and that due to the risks identified a minimum balance of
£3.5 million is recommended.
 

(3)           
Notes the Chief Finance Officer’s section 25
report (Appendix D) which provides a commentary on the risks and
reliability of estimates contained in the budget.

(4)           
Approves the revenue savings and investments as
detailed in Appendix B to be amended.
 

(5)           
Approves the capital programme as detailed in
Appendix C.
 

(6)           
Approves a net expenditure budget of £27.323m,
as detailed in Appendix E with amount and detail to be
amended.

(7)           
Approves a Council Tax increase of 2.99%, which is
in line with the provisions in the Medium Term Financial
Strategy.

(8)           
Approves bringing forward the capital budget for
pool covers at the outdoor pools to 2025/26.
 

(9)           
Notes that a Council Tax premium on Second Homes
will be implemented from 1st April 2026, which is adopting the
decision taken by Council on 29 February 2024
 
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION: To
ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a
budget (revenue and capital) and Council Tax level for 2026/27. To
ensure that the budget is aligned to Council priorities for 2024-28
as set out in the Council Plan.