Decision Maker: Cabinet, Full Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 5, 2025

Purpose: The CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance and the Treasury Management code require all local authorities to prepare a Capital Strategy. It puts a regulatory framework around capital decisions and sets out how the Council will manage the investment and financing of capital resources in support of the Corporate Strategy. Sitting under the Capital Strategy is the Treasury Management Strategy which sets the limits and method of investing the council’s surplus funds taking into account the statutory restrictions on local authority investments and borrowings. While the Council is debt free and expects to continue this policy for the foreseeable future, the report will set limits and establish procedures for any borrowings that may be required.

Content: RESOLVED That the Full Council be recommended to approve of the Capital Strategy 2025-2026 as detailed in Appendix A of report FIN/685. Reasons for the Recommendations   The Capital Strategy 2025-2026 (the Strategy) sets out how the Council will determine capital spend and use capital resources to achieve Corporate Objectives and support service delivery.  It forms an essential part of the Council’s integrated revenue, capital and balance sheet planning.  This includes the appraisal process for determining investment decisions and the process for identifying and prioritising funding requirements. The Strategy is based on the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code for Capital Finance and Treasury Management Code. The detailed Strategy is attached at Appendix A of report FIN/685.