Purpose

This report sets out the budget strategy and
Council Tax level for the coming year.

Content

RESOLVED:
 
The Committee resolved to:
 
a) 
Consider the advice of the Executive Director of Finance in respect
of Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 in setting the
budget (see paragraphs 3.36 to 3.45);
 
b) 
Recommend that Council agree the Revenue Budget for 2025/26;
 
c) 
Recommend that Council agree that the Band D level of Council Tax
for 2025/26, including the Council’s increase in Council Tax
of 2.99%, the Social Care Precept of 2% and the GLA increase of
4.0%, be set at £2,372.07, an overall increase of 4.79% on
2024/25. The levels of Council Tax for all property bands are shown
at Appendix A;
 
d)  Note that the Medium-Term Financial
Strategy was approved by this Committee in September 2024 and a
further update will be provided by September 2025; and
 
e) 
Recommend that the Council apply the Government’s statutory
exceptions in relation to the premiums for second homes and
long-term empty properties from 1st April 2025, (see paragraphs
3.46 - 3.51).