Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 22, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision: That a cross-party grants review Working Group is created. Reason(s): 1.            The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025/26 was extremely poor for most District and Borough Councils, with most, including Guildford Borough Council, receiving no increase in their Core Spending Power. This means that overall, the funding for 2025-26 will remain at the same level as 2024-25, even after an increase in Council Tax revenues.  The impact of the settlement is that there is no new funding available to meet the cost of pay awards, demand and inflationary pressures. 2.            To ensure that the council can continue to deliver its strategic objectives within its budget, over 2025/26 all council grants will be reviewed. 3.            It is important that a robust process and criteria for allocation of grants in future is developed in line with the strategic priorities. Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: Option 1: No Grant Review. Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.