Decision

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:?? 

a.    Recognised that Council Tax in Somerset is low compared to other similar councils due to historical factors and formally requests from DLUHC the option of allowing an increase in Council Tax by an additional 5%, 9.99% in total, to £1,810.48 for the Somerset Council proportion of a Band D charge in order to set the 2024/25 budget.

b.    To consult the Corporate & Resources Scrutiny Committee on the latest 2024/25 budget proposals including the savings proposals and Council Tax increases at their meeting on 01 February 2024 and receive their feedback at the next Executive meeting on 07 February 2024.

c.     To receive the business case for the creation of a sustainable Somerset Council through ’re-sizing’ of the council and creating a sustainable workforce transformation programme, including the estimated costs and saving from this at the next Executive meeting on 07 February 2024.

d.    Noted that the Section 25 Statement from the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget proposals and adequacy of reserves will be a separate report to the 20 February 2024 Council.