Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to present the cabinet’s proposed 2026/27 revenue budget. The report highlights our strategic approach to responding to the significant medium-term financial pressures whilst ensuring a sustainable and stable financial position to deliver our overarching priorities and desired outcomes

Content: The Cabinet considered its proposed 2026/27 Revenue Budget outlining the Council’s strategic approach to responding to the significant and critical medium-term financial pressures worsened by the proposed funding in the provisional settlement, and recommended to the Council Meeting that it:-   (1) Approve the Budget for 2026/27 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3.   (2) Note the risk assessment of the 2026/27 Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Director of Finance - Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates also included at Appendix 5.   (3) Approve the required Council General Fund Balance to reflect the Director of Finance - Section 151 Officer’s assessment of risks.   (4) Note, comment upon, and approve the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2026/27 to 2029/30 at Appendix 6, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the council.   (5) Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolution which produces a Council Tax increase of 4.99% in 2026/27 (2.99% General increase, 2% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 7.

Alternative options considered: None.