Councillor Carol Theobald

...agreed the proposed timetable of meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year, subject to necessary amendments.

...approved a protocol for setting the council's budget and council tax, including proceedings for the February Budget Council meeting, to facilitate the decision-making process.

...the council agreed to reduce the Published Admission Number for Rudyard Kipling Primary School from 45 to 30 pupils and for Downs Junior School from 128 to 96 pupils, to change secondary school admission priorities so the sibling link applies regardless of catchment area, and to alter the way waiting lists are operated.

...the city's Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26 was noted and its activities supported.