Councillor Lucy Trimnell

Budget 2026/27 Savings Proposals, Growth Proposals and Fees & Charges

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am, NEW - December 05, 2025

...the committee requested the Executive to improve public communication on budget challenges and Council Tax, recommended comparisons with similar councils, requested pursuit of financial support and cost reductions with impact assessments, recommended detailed growth and savings proposals for the committee's January 5th meeting, and requested a budget report outlining national funding constraints and advocacy plans.

For Determination

General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 (Q2)

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am, NEW - December 05, 2025

... to note the recommendations in the General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26 (Q2) and request the Executive to ensure timely presentation of financial reports to Scrutiny Committees and provide quarterly workforce planning updates.

Recommendations Approved

Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Work Programme

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am, NEW - December 05, 2025

Information Only

Council Tax Reduction and Exceptional Hardship Scheme 2026/27

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am - November 26, 2025

...to establish a Task and Finish Group to comprehensively review the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the Exceptional Hardship Fund for the 2027/28 financial year, ensuring clear communication and targeted support for vulnerable residents, and to request adequate staff resources and a higher Exceptional Hardship Fund from the Executive.

Recommendations Approved

Community Working Review

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am - November 26, 2025

...to request further engagement, development of a clear framework, sharing of best practices, alignment with government guidance, introduction of quick wins, improved accessibility and transparency, review of LCN boundaries, development of mechanisms for member influence, strengthened communication channels, and reporting of review findings to the Committee before Executive consideration, along with data on stakeholder attendance and details of other community engagement forms.

Recommendations Approved