Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026

Purpose: To recommend to Council the General Fund Budgets for 2026-27.

Content: The Executive Recommended to Full Council on 2 March 2026 That (i)    the £2.7m of new savings in 2026/27 as set-out in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed, subject to any comments received from Resource and Finance Scrutiny Committee;           (ii)   the £3.3m of new growth pressures in 2026/27 as set-out in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, subject to any comments received from Resource and Finance Scrutiny Committee;           (iii)  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 2026/27 as set out in Section 10 of the report be noted and agreed;           (iv) the Management of Change and Flexible Use of Capital Receipts budgets proposed at Appendices 4 and 5 to the report be approved; and           (v)  it be noted that Full Council on 2 March 2026 will receive a final report from the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources to seek final, formal approval of the Council's budget, the Exceptional Financial Support and Council Tax for 2026/27. Reason: The contents of the report is to ensure open and transparent governance in the financial affairs of the Council in balancing the 2026/27 Budget, and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).