Decision Maker: Executive, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 29, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Decision: 1.        To note the comments arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 20 January 2026, as set out in the Supplementary Agenda Pack. 2.        To recommend that full Council, at its Budget meeting on 11 February 2026 resolves:   (a)    To agree a 2.99% increase in Guildford’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2026/27 with resultant increases to the other council tax bands. (b)    To agree the Fees and Charges for 2026/27 as proposed in Appendix 4. (c)    To agree the car parking charges as proposed in Appendix 5. (d)    To approve the General Fund Budget for 2026/27 as summarised in Appendix 2, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations detailed at Appendices 1 and 3. (e)    To approve the General Fund Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 6. (f)     To approve the reserve movements as set out in Appendix 7 and to agree a delegation to the S151 Officer to agree draw down from the reserves if the use is in line with the approved purpose. (g)    To agree to continue the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme at the current levels. (h)    To continue with the Modified Scheme of disregarding 100% of all types of war pension for Housing Benefit, as set out in Appendix 8.   Reasons: 1.     The General Fund Budget is a major decision for the Council and setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement. Scrutiny of these MTFP and Budget proposals demonstrate transparency and good governance. 2.     While the Council has managed to respond to the financial challenges in recent years, the latest MTFP for the years ending 2029/30 continues to project future financial pressures. The Council is taking action to ensure sufficient funding is in place to deliver and maintain services for 2026/27, but this report also explains the conditions and uncertainties that will impact service delivery in future years   Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: None.   Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.