Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 5, 2024

Purpose: The report provides Members with proposed budgeted investments, income growth and savings for 2025-26, with associated consultation strategies.

Content: Resolved –   That the Executive:   (1)           noted the financial challenges the Council faces and the need to deliver significant savings over the next 5-year period;   (2)           approved the commencement of consultation on the savings proposals totalling £0.500m as set out in Section 2 under the title “Savings proposals requiring specific consultation” as follows: In respect of the Post 16 transport policy proposal, the consultation to begin on 18 November 2024 and end on 8 January 2025. In respect of the Dedicated bus service proposal, the consultation to begin on 6 November and end on 18 December 2024.     (3)           require a report back to the Executive in February 2025 on the outcome of consultations;   (4)           noted the savings proposals for BCFT totalling £16.200m as set out in Section 3 to Document “V”;   (5)           approved the savings totalling £5.988m as set out in Section 4 to Document “V” to progress for implementation subject to budget engagement;   (6)           noted the savings proposals in Section 5 to Document “V” relating to 2025/26 totalling £11.152m that were previously considered and recommended for approval by Full Council in March 2024;   (7)           noted that further savings proposals to bridge the gap will be brought to the next meeting of the Executive Committee on 3 December 2024 and that savings beyond this gap are also being worked on;   (8)           noted that these proposals will be presented to Corporate Overview and Scrutiny on 14 November 2024 and additional proposals presented at the meeting on 23 January 2025;   (9)           noted the savings form part of the wider budget setting process and that the overall 2025/26 budget will be reported for Full Council Approval in March 2025.   To be actioned by: Director of Finance   Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate   (Andrew Cross - 07870 386523)