Decision Maker: Executive, Council

Outcome: Recommmend Forward to Council

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose:

Content: The Executive resolved as follows:   1.     To recommend to Council the level of net expenditure for the draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27 of £229,630,000 (ref. paragraph 6.11 and Appendix 4a, to the Executive report)   2.     To recommend to Council a level of budget savings of £12.5m noting that this amount had been updated following the Government’s Final Financial Settlement, approval of the associated Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy (Appendix 4g to the Executive report) and incorporating a Council Tax increase of 4.99% made up of 2.99% plus a 2% Adult Social Care precept.   3.     To note that the precepts for Fire and Police will be reported to Full Council on 23 February 2026 as the rates are not agreed until 23 February 2026 and week commencing the 16 February 2026 respectively.   4.     To recommend to Council that the Chief Executive be authorised to take any necessary steps to ensure any staffing savings are achieved (ref. paragraph 6.16)   5.     To recommend to Council the proposed use of the Dedicated Schools Grant Budget for 2026/27 (ref. paragraph 6.9.1 and Appendix 4c, to the Executive report).   6.     To recommend to Council the allocation of schools funding for 2026/27 (ref. paragraph 6.9.1 and Appendix 4c, to the Executive report).   7.     To recommend to Council a target level of working balances of £7.8m by 31 March 2027 (ref. paragraph 7.6.13).   8.     To recommend to Council that due regard is given to the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves in the budget proposals for 2026/27 (ref. section 7.6).   9.     To consider any further facts, information and stakeholder feedback which may emerge and report the details to the meeting of the Council on 23 February 2026.