Decision Maker: Babergh Cabinet, Babergh Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose: To Note/Agree the 2026/27 General Fund Budget and MTFS

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That the General Fund revenue and capital budget for 2026/27 and the MTFP set out in the report was endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26 February 2026 subject to accommodating changes following announcements made by government on the 9th February 2026.   1.2          That the General Fund Budget for 2026/27 was based on an increase to Council Tax of £5.23 per annum (10p per week) for a Band D property, which was equivalent to 2.99%, increasing from £175.03 to £180.26 per annum.   1.3          That the new income bands and contribution rates for the 100% Local Council Tax Reduction (Working Age) Scheme, as set out in paragraph 8.27, were endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26 February 2026.   1.4          That a transfer be made of £1m from the Mid Suffolk Plan Implementation Reserve to the new Stowmarket Innovation Gateway Risk Reserve which would sit in the Financial Resilience & Risk reserve section as per Appendix C.   1.5          That £1.602m be transferred to the Waste Reserve to fund the new food waste service in 2026/27.   1.6          That the £496k transitional protection grant be transferred to the Financial Resilience Risk Reserve in 2026/27.   1.7          That the surplus for 2026/27 of £3.387m be transferred to the Mid Suffolk Implementation Reserve.   1.8          That the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy at Appendix F be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26 February 2026.   1.9          That the Council Tax Support scheme in Appendix H be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26 February 2026.   REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils General Fund budget for endorsement and recommendation to Council.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Setting a balanced budget was a statutory requirement: options for balancing the budget are contained within this report. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None