Content

That Members agree the contents of this report
in order to start the budget consultation process as follows:

·        
A proposed 2.99% increase in council tax in 2025/26;

·        
A forecast balanced budget for 2025/26 (based on a 2.99% increase
in council tax, as noted above);

·        
A forecast budget shortfall for 2026/27 of £1.932mill, to be
addressed through the development and delivery of the
council’s Fit for the Future transformation programme,
although it is acknowledged that a significant level of uncertainty
prevails around this figure following publication of the
‘Local Authority Funding Reform: Objectives and
Principles’ consultation paper, which outlines the
government’s intent to redistribute funding through a fair
funding review and business rates reset;

·        
To note the proposals in the report for investment in the
Administration’s priority areas.