Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 4, 2026

Purpose:

Content: That Cabinet considers the responses received during the budget consultation period and recommends to Council: a) The 2026/27 revenue budget as attached in Appendix B. b) The 2026/27 capital budget and indicative 2027/28 to 2029/30 budgets as attached in Appendix G.   That a 5.95% increase in the Band “D” equivalent Council Tax is applied for County Council purposes for 2026/27.   That Cabinet requests that efforts continue to be maximised to ensure that individuals and households eligible for council tax exemptions or reductions claim the benefit available to them.   That Cabinet endorses the changes to the draft budget proposed within this report, updated following public consultation, scrutiny and the availability of more up?to?date information, including the introduction of additional capital investment of £2 million, phased over three years, to address potholes and improve the condition of the County’s road network.   That Cabinet considers the Responsible Financial Officer’s report on the robustness of the budget process and adequacy of reserves issued under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2003 and an assessment of the current and future financial risks facing the Council.   That Cabinet adopts the Responsible Financial Officer’s recommendation for the Prudential Indicators for capital financing.   That the Medium Term Financial Plan continues to be updated and reported regularly, using the most up-to-date information available to assess cost pressures and risks, the underlying modelling assumptions, any service changes resulting from the programme of change, and the ongoing affordability implications of the Community and Corporate Plan.