Purpose

To approve the capital and revenue budget estimates and proposed Council Tax, the medium term financial plan and the capital strategy

Decision

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to FULL COUNCIL:

1)     That the Breckland revenue estimates and parish special expenses for 2024-25 and outlined position through to 2027-28 (as set out in Appendix B and E) be approved.

2)     That the capital estimates and associated funding for 2024-25 and outline position through to 2033-34 (as set out in Appendix H) be approved.

3)     That the fees and charges shown at Appendix D and D2, for adoption on 1 April 2024 be approved.

4)     That the Council Tax be set at £113.58 for a Band D property in 2024-25 (a £4.95 per annum increase on 2023-24 levels).

5)     That the medium-term financial plan at Appendix A be approved.

6)     That the capital strategy at Appendix G be approved.

7)     That with effect from 1 April 2024 the Long-Term empty property premium for Council Tax be applied after 1 year.

8)     That with effect from 1 April 2025 the Second Homes Council Tax premium of 100% be applied.

9)     That the Retail Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) NNDR relief be approved in line with Government guidelines and criteria.

Reasons for the decision

To comply with budgetary and policy framework and allow consultation with Members and the public.

Alternative options considered

Options:

1)     That recommendations 1 to 9 above are approved.

2)     That amendments are made before recommendations 1 to 9 above are approved.

3)     That some of the recommendations 1 to 9 are approved.