Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 2, 2025

Purpose: To consider the proposed budget including savings plans for 2026/27 and the following years for consultation.    To cover the General Fund, HRA and Capital Programme

Content: RESOLVED –   1)    That it be noted the proposed budget was balanced based on assumptions around the potential impact of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 as outlined in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in September. It was noted these assumptions may be subject to change when the provisional local government finance settlement was published by Government (expected mid-December) and furthermore once the final settlement was published. A balanced budget must be set no later than 10th March 2026. 2)    That approval be given to a 5 week consultation on the Proposed Budget for 2026/27 starting on 3 December 2025 and closing on 7 January 2026. This includes the proposed 2.99% increase in core Council Tax and the 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. 3)    That the forecast spending and funding plans for the 2026-27 year and indicatively the following 2 years (Appendix B) be noted; 4)    That it be noted the Proposed Budget for 2026/27 presented in the considered report was based on the approval and delivery of £6.9m of new savings for 2026/27 as identified in the report (Appendix D). 5)    That the forecast levels of statutory and other Council reserves as set out at Appendix C be noted; 6)    That the proposed savings as set out in Appendix D be noted.   Capital   7)    That the draft updated Capital Plan for 2025-33 for consultation as part of the budget (Appendix E) be noted 8)    That it be noted the proposed release of £57.7m uncommitted budget across the multi-year capital plan (£1.3m 2025/26, £56.4m 2026/27 onwards) to assist treasury management of the capital financing budget 9)    That the proposed addition of £35.1m budget towards a new sport and leisure facility in North Kirklees (£0.1m feasibility 2025/26, £35m construction budget 2028/29 – 2032/33) be noted. 10)That it be noted that following changes to the operation of business rates pools set out by Government, there would be no Leeds City Region business rates pool in 2026/27.   Housing Revenue Account   11)That it be noted that the proposed budget including rent and service charges increases for the HRA which was considered as a separate report at the meeting. 12)The Integrated Impact assessments referred to in paragraph 3.5 be noted.