Purpose

The
report recommends to Cabinet the draft budget proposals for the
2024-25 financial year and 2024-28 Medium Term Financial
Plan.

Content

DECISION:
 

RESOLVED:
 
1. 
That the draft budget proposals for 2024-2028, as
set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved as the basis for
consideration by Overview and Scrutiny Committees and public
consultation running from 15 September to 12 November
2023.
 
2. 
That the key assumptions in relation to inflation
and core resources be approved as the basis for the 2024/25 budget
setting process including:
 
a) 
A 4.99% Council Tax increase, inclusive of a 2%
adult social care precept.
b) 
The continuation of the 100% Business Rates
Retention Pilot.
c) 
A funding settlement of grants from the Government
that assumes a roll-over of the same amount of funding unless we
have information which says different.
d) 
An assumed 4.5% pay offer for 2024/25.
e) 
The addition of Foundation Living Wage (FLW)
increases (to be confirmed) for Council staff and where FLW is paid
as part of our contractual arrangements with suppliers and
providers.
 

 
Reason for the Decision: 
 
As contained within the
report.
 
Alternative options considered:
 
None other than contained
within the report.
 
Conflicts of interest declared:
 
None.
 
Dispensations granted in respect of a conflict of
interest:
 
N/A