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RESOLVED

That  (i)    Council considers and acknowledges the
Section 151 Officer’s s25 report on the robustness of the
proposed budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves,
as set out in Appendix 4 to the report, including the factors which
underpin the budget and specifically the need for exceptional
financial support to balance the budget;

         
(ii)   it be noted that the
financial position has been based on the final Local Government
Finance Settlement announced on 3 February 2025 together with any
further announcements at that date;

         
(iii)  it be noted that the net cost of
services position includes previously agreed savings and pressures
included in the ‘Business as Usual Budget’ approved by
Council on 27 February 2025;

         
(iv)  it be noted that Exceptional
Financial Support (EFS) is required to balance the 2025/26 budget
and that this has been granted by MHCLG, as per Appendices 2 and 8
to the report;

         
(vi)  the Council’s position on
Reserves, recognising the unique situation the Council faces, be
noted;  

         
(vii) it be noted that work on the medium-term financial position
will continue during 2025/26, with more savings likely to be
required to Council services to address future budget
gaps;

         
(viii) the full net cost of services requirement for 2025/26,
including the impact of the historic borrowing position is
£162.8m as per Table 3, be agreed;

         
(ix)  the Council increases its share of
Council Tax for a Band D household by £8.68 (2.99%), with
other bands increased in line with the formula, be
agreed;

         
(x)   an amount of Council Tax be
set for each valuation band in accordance with Section 30 of the
Local Governance Finance Act, 1992 as set out in the Council Tax
Resolution in Appendix 6 to the report, be agreed; and

         
(xi)  quarterly updates on progress
against the delivery of the Improvement and Recovery Plan including
the budgeted savings on the revenue and capital monitoring position
continue to be required.