Decision Maker: Corporate and Resources Committee

Outcome: Decision made

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 13, 2025

Purpose:

Content: NOTED that:   1.         The comments of the People Committee and the Place Committee set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this report.   RESOLVED that:   2.         The Executive Director of Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer) be authorised to make any necessary changes to the GLA precept in the Council Tax Annex 3 of the Budget Report Pack to this report prior to submission to Budget Council, once the final decisions have been confirmed by that body;   3.         Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the budget proposals and Council Tax for 2025/26 as set out in the Budget Report Pack report and annexes;   4.         Council be RECOMMENDED to authorise the relevant officers to take necessary action to deliver the agreed budget and service charges, including increasing relevant fees and charges in line with inflation or as recommended within budget proposals;   5.         Council be RECOMMENDED, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2003, to note the comments of the Section 151 Officer in regard to the robustness of estimates and the level of reserves and balances as set out in the section “S25 Statement of Section 151 Officer” in paragraphs 42 to 69 of the Budget Report Pack;   6.         Council be RECOMMENDED in accordance with sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Act 1992, to calculate the amounts in the statutory Council Tax calculation (Annex 3 of the Budget Report pack) for the financial year 2025/26;   7.         Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the Capital Strategy including the detailed capital programme for 2025/26 to 2028/29 as set out in Annex 11 to the Budget Report;   8.         Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the Treasury Strategy including the Annual Investment Strategy, prudential indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy as set out in Annex 12 to the Budget Report in paragraphs 19 to 21 of the RBK Treasury Strategy;   9.         Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the HRA 2025/26 base budget and proposal for growth and savings as set out in Annex 10 of the Budget Report Pack;   10.       Council be RECOMMENDED to approve the pay policy at Annex 13 to the budget report;   11.       The Schools Budget for 2025/26 be approved in line with paragraph 18 and Enclosure 1 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack;    12.       The proposals outlined for the Central School Services Block be approved including the transfer of £27k to the High Needs Block (ref. paras 29-30 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack);   13.       The proposals outlined for the Early Years Block be approved including the transfer of £225k to the High Needs Block (ref. paras. 31-37 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack);   14.       The proposals outlined for the High Needs Block be approved (ref paras. 38-42 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack); and   15.       The proposals outlined for the Schools Block (ref. paras 21-28 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack) and the Schools Funding Formula outlined in Enclosure 2 of Annex 14 and the Schools Allocations in Enclosure 3 of Annex 14 be approved, including a Minimum Funding Guarantee of +0.0% per pupil (ref. paras 23-24 of Annex 14 to the Budget Pack).