Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 25, 2025

Purpose: To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services detailing the 2025/26 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Content: GENERAL FUND REVENUE To recommend to Council:   i)  Have regard to the Statement of the S151 Officer as set out in paragraphs 94 to 106 on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the council’s reserves, when approving the following recommendations.   ii)  The 5 year Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2028/29 as set out in table 1 and appendix 1.   iii)  The Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as set out in tables 3 and 4 and Appendices 1 and 2.   iv)  The inclusion in the budget General Fund pressures totalling £12.72M in 2025/26, increasing to £23.34M in 2028/29, as detailed in paragraph 36.   v)  The inclusion of commitments totalling £1.98M in 2025/26, increasing to £10.40M in 2028/29, as detailed in paragraph 38.   vi)  The inclusion of savings proposals (including increases to ring-fenced grants) totalling £49.60M in the 2025/26 General Fund Revenue Budget, of which £34.56M relate to the Transformation Programme, increasing to £66.16M in 2028/29, of which £50.82M relate to the Transformation Programme, as detailed in paragraphs 40 to 43.   vii)  An increase in the ‘core’ council tax of 2.99% and an increase in the Adult Social Care precept of 2.00%, allowable under general powers to increase council tax without a referendum.   viii)  A Band D Council Tax for Southampton City Council of £1,903.14 for 2025/26, a Net Budget Requirement of £230.78M and the Council Tax Requirement for 2025/26 at £128.17M as per Appendix 6. The Council Tax increase comprises a core increase of 2.99% and 2.00% specifically for Adult Social Care.   ix)  A change to fees and charges policy and note the new charges as set out in paragraph 64 to 67 and Appendix 9.   Other Recommendations   x)  Approve the Procurement Forward Plan for 2025/26 contained at Appendix 10.   xi)  Delegate authority to the relevant Executive Director, after consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member(s), to take all actions necessary to enter into all contracts contained in the Procurement Forward Plan for 2025/26 at Appendix 10 for the contract duration stated including any contractually permitted extension options. Providing that this is within the budget envelope available for the contract for the projects contained in the Procurement Forward Plan 2025/26 at Appendix 10.   xii)  Note the indicative Procurement Pipeline for the years 2026/27 and 2027/28 contained at Appendix 11.