Purpose

To consider an
update on the Council’s medium term financial position and
outlook, highlighting the key risks, issues and uncertainties
facing the Council. The report will also outline proposed
mitigations, recommend fees and charges levels for 2026/27 and set
out the planned use of reserves over the medium term.

Decision

RESOLVED –
 

(i)                 
THAT the update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial
Strategy and overall financial resilience, detailed in Paragraphs
2.4-2.9 and Paragraphs 2.67-2.72 of the report, be
noted;

 

(ii)               
THAT the impact of challenges across temporary accommodation,
children’s social care provision, schools and the
Council’s services more generally (including those delivered
through the Housing Revenue Account), as well as the
Council’s proposed responses to them, as set out in
Paragraphs 2.32-2.61, be noted;

 

(iii)              
THAT the summary of recent and upcoming government policy
decisions, as set out in Paragraphs 2.15-2.19, be noted.

 

(iv)             
THAT, in relation to fees and charges
discussed in Paragraphs 2.62-2.65 and Appendix A:

 

a.     
Authority be delegated to the relevant Executive Director to
agree increases to existing fees and charges up to a maximum of 7%,
in consultation with the relevant portfolio holders.

 

b.     
The supporting information in Appendix A1, in respect of all
new fees and charges and those fees and charges where the proposed
increase is over 7%, be noted.

 

c.     
The new fees and charges, and all proposed increases which
exceed 7%, as shown in Appendix A1, be approved and authority be
delegated to the relevant Executive Director to introduce those
changes.

 

d.     
Authority be delegated to the Executive Director Investment, Opportunity
and Place to introduce fee PLA.1061 once the Tobacco & Vapes
Act 2024 comes into force, as per Paragraph 2.64
of the report and Appendix A1.

 

e.     
The music fees and charges for the 2025/26 academic year, as
set out in Appendix A2, be agreed.

 

f.       
Authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer to delete
fees and charges where these are no longer in use, as outlined in
Paragraph 2.65.

 

g.     
Authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer to reduce
specific fees and charges in exceptional cases, as outlined in
Paragraph 2.65.

 

(v)               
THAT the Council’s reserve position, as summarised in
Paragraphs 2.73-2.76 and Appendix B, be noted.

 

(vi)             
THAT the capital investments listed in Paragraphs 2.77-2.93
be agreed.