Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 3, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet recommends that full Council:-   (i) Approve the draft 2025/26 revenue budget (Appendix B) (ii) Approve a 2.99% increase in the Borough Council's part of the Council Tax (Appendix C). (iii) Approve the detailed recommendations in Appendix C, which relate to the setting of Council Tax in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Act 1992 (Appendix C – to be provided/updated for full Council). (iv) Approve the Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2027/28 (Appendix E). (v) Approve the proposed use of Reserves as detailed in Appendix J and that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, be authorised to transfer funds between earmarked reserves as deemed appropriate throughout the length of the medium term financial planning period.   (vi) Approve that the budget be amended as necessary to reflect the final grant figures including Disabled Facility Grants - once received.   (vii) Approve the existing Council Tax Support Scheme, it is recommended that the council adopt the existing scheme updated with minor wording amendments to reflect legislative changes and prescribed requirements under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Prescribed Requirements) (England)(Amendment) Regulations 2023. It is also recommended that authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in line with prior years practice, to make changes to approved scheme during 2025/26 to reflect any requirements set by Government to either the prescribed regulations for pension age or for the working age scheme to ensure the scheme remains legally consistent and up to date as the legislation changes.   (viii) Approval is given to delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to formulate and implement in full, Government grant, discount or relief schemes so long as they are as a minimum, revenue cost neutral to the Council.