Chris Dey

The Council approved the Treasury Outturn position for 2025/26 on 24 June 2026. The report noted that total external borrowing was £1.29bn, broadly stable compared to the prior year, and General Fund borrowing was £991m, below the set limit. The cost of borrowing for the General Fund was £26.5m, which was £4.9m lower than budget.

The Leader of the Council decided on 01/07/2026 to approve recommendations for a review of current bin collection arrangements. This review will explore the benefits, process, and cost implications of moving from fortnightly to weekly collections for dry mixed recycling and general refuse. Officers are requested to explore impacts on recycling rates, environmental implications, and route optimisation as part of this review.

The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations for the Meridian Water update on 24 June 2026. The Cabinet approved the market testing strategy for remaining land parcels, delegated authority for market feedback consideration and route to market determination, and approved the use of the Meridian Water budget for placemaking initiatives. The Cabinet also agreed to amend the existing Development Agreement with Vistry Partnerships Ltd for the conditional sale of land.

The Cabinet decided to approve the transfer of £3.6m to risk reserves, £1.3m to the Collection Fund smoothing reserve, and £3.6m from released insurance provisions to the General Fund insurance reserve. They also approved the carry forward of £16.7m in capital budgets from 2025/26 to 2026/27. The Cabinet recommended that Full Council note the reclassification of £1.7m of an existing revenue Energetik loan as capital during 2025/26.

The Cabinet agreed to note progress on the Energetik Strategic Review and approved in principle a full sale of Energetik supported by a Golden Share arrangement. This decision was made on 24 June 2026.