Purpose

To consider and recommend
approval of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium Term
Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2027-28.

Content

Decision:
To recommend the following to
Council (at its Budget Meeting on 7 February
2024):

1.    
That the General Fund Budget for
2024/25 as summarised in Appendix 1, incorporating the budget
variations included at Appendix 2, be
approved.

2.    
That a 2.99% increase in
Guildford Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2024/25, be
approved with resultant increases to the other council tax
bands.

3.    
That the Council’s
existing Local Council Tax Support Scheme, with uprating as set out
in Appendix 6 and the £40,000 discretionary hardship fund
that runs alongside it, be continued.

4.    
That,
from 1 April
2025, the Council varies its determination of 26 February 2019
under Section 11B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, so that
the long-term empty dwelling levy starts after a property has been
empty and unfurnished for one year. 

5.    
That,
from 1 April
2025, the Council will charge a premium (levy) of 100% on
periodically used dwellings as defined by section 11C of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992.

6.    
That the schedule of Fees and
Charges, as set out in Appendix 3 to this report, be
approved. 

7.    
That the use of the 2023-24
underspend as set out in paragraph 8.5 of this report, be
approved.
Reason(s):

1.      
The General Fund Budget is a
major decision for the Council and setting a balanced budget is a
statutory requirement.

2.      
Scrutiny of these MTFP and
Budget proposals demonstrate transparency and good
governance.

3.      
The Council has been well
positioned to respond to these challenges and whilst the latest
MTFP for the subsequent years ending 2026/27 continues to project
future financial pressures, and opportunities, the Council is able
to take action to ensure sufficient funding is in place to deliver
and maintain services.
Other options considered and rejected by the
Executive:
None.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by
the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation
granted:
None.