Decision

NON-KEY DECISION

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

a.  Endorsed and recommends to December's Full Council that the Council notes that it has declared a financial emergency and endorses the range of actions and mitigations being taken forward. Furthermore, that the Council fully supports the Executive and Senior Officers to continue its discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and formally requests a capitalisation direction in order to set the 2024/25 budget.

b.  Approved a consultation and engagement process on Council Tax and potential service changes with the public and business sectors in line with the proposals set out in this report.

c.  Approved the re-allocation of the Earmarked Reserves as set out in Appendix 1 and receives a further update in February 2024.

d.  Received the draft 2024/25 budget proposals at the January Executive including details of the savings proposals and finance settlement for the council.

e.  Noted the ‘Vision for a sustainable Somerset Council’ and approves that an outline Business Case is developed for the January 2024 Executive meeting.

f.   Noted the review of the 2023/24 capital programme and the review of new bids for 2024/25 schemes with the full details being included in the report to Executive in January 2024 for approval by February 2024 Council.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report