Purpose

As per the report to Cabinet in November 2024, the consider the 2025/26 revenue budget proposals and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

Decision

Noted:

(a)  The provisional Local Government Finance Settlement as detailed in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of the report;

(b)  The updates to budgets proposals presented as Phase 1 budget proposals to Cabinet on 18 November 2024 as detailed in paragraphs 4.5 to 4.8 and new Phase 2 budget proposals as set out in paragraphs 4.9 - 4.10 of the report;

(c)  The technical adjustment set out in paragraph 4.11 of the report;

(d)  The current assumptions in relation to Exceptional Financial Support; as detailed in paragraphs 4.12 – 4.14 of the report;

(e)  The Council Tax and NNDR assumptions as set out in paragraphs in 4.15 – 4.17 of the report;

(f)  The approach taken with regard to Fees and Charges as set out in paragraphs 5.1 - 5.5 of the report; and

(g)  The current feedback from the budget consultation as summarised in paragraph 9.1. and the initial key points in Appendix 5 to the report.