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Cabinet received a report - Balancing the
Budget which gave an update on the savings identified in the
September Medium Term Financial Strategy and identified some
further savings for next year.  The
savings were based on a mix of efficiencies, commercial options and
business change projects which meant there would be no service
reductions.
 
It was also noted that the budget also
recommended some growth for next year which included a one-off
amount of £50 thousand for celebrating the 80th
Anniversary.
 
The Portfolio Holder for Resources and
Performance advised that as a result of the disruption caused by
implementing the Herts County Council Active Travel improvements in
the Old Town High Street it was proposed to introduce a one-hour of
free parking at Church Lane North car park on Monday to Saturday
between 06.00-16.00.  This was estimated
to cost £5,000 and would support the Old Town while a number
of free bays were out of action. 
 
Members welcomed the additional funding for
the Town’s 80th anniversary celebrations and
looked forward to taking part in the events organised.
 
Following debate regarding the Old Town
Parking, it was agreed that the consultation and deliberations on
the parking issue with Ward Councillors, residents and businesses,
had been extensive but a decision had been reached and welcomed on
the one-hour free parking proposal which showed the Council’s
commitment to the High Street.
 
Members agreed to include an additional
recommendation (7) to reflect this.
 
Officers were pleased to advise that the
Government’s announcement on the Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) funding to be spent on recycling and refuse
services had been higher than expected which would allow the
extension to the flat block recycling programme.   The Fair Funding announcement was also
expected to be made by the Government in December.
 
It was RESOLVED:
 
1            
The Balancing the Budget options as set out in the report and
Appendix A, totalling £84,640 (saving) for the General Fund
2026/27 (and £21,600 for the HRA) be approved and
incorporated into the Council’s budget setting processes;
2            
That it be noted that the future savings target can be met from
Fees and Charges as set out in paragraph 4.6.5 (subject to
Government Funding, Local Government Reorganisation and
unidentified growth);
3            
The revised GF MTFS financial summary, as shown in section 4.9 to
this report be noted;
4            
That the completion of the Business rates for 2026/27 (NDR 1) be
delegated to the Strategic Director (S151) after consultation with
the Resources and Performance Portfolio holder (paragraph 4.3.4
refers).
5            
That the Council’s recognised unions be consulted regarding
the proposed budget package;
6            
That key partners and other stakeholders be consulted, and their
views considered as part of the 2026/27 budget setting process.
7            
That the introduction of 1 hour free parking at Church Lane North
car park between Monday to Saturday 06.00-16.00 from January 2026
up until the completion of the Active Travel improvements in the
Old Town High Street at an expected cost of £5,000 be
approved.