Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 27, 2025

Purpose: To recommend to Council the General Fund Budgets for 2025-26.

Content: RESOLVED That (i)   the £2.5m of savings in 2025/26, rising to £4.7m by 2027/28 as set-out in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed, subject to any comments received from Resource and Finance Scrutiny Committee;         (ii)  the £2.4m of growth pressures in 2025/26, rising to £3.2m by 2027/28 as set-out in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, subject to any comments received from Resource and Finance Scrutiny Committee;         (iii)  the Equality Impact Assessment on the savings proposals that are summarised in Appendix 6 to the report, with detailed reports on each resident facing saving proposal, be noted as part of the decision-making process;         (iv) the position of the Business Rates and Council Tax Collection Fund, including the brought forward surplus/deficit position and the Council Tax and Business Rates bases for 2025/26 as set out in Section 14 of the report be noted and agreed;         (v)  the Management of Change and Flexible Use of Capital Receipts budgets proposed at Appendices 3 and 4 to the report be supported; and         (vi) it be noted that Full Council on 3 March 2025 will receive a final report from the Strategic Director of Finance to seek final, formal approval of the Council's budget, the Exceptional Financial Support and Council Tax for 2025/26. Reason:  The contents of the report is to ensure open and transparent governance in the financial affairs of the Council in balancing the 2025/26 Budget, and the Medium Term Financial Strategy.