Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 25, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The Council voted (7 voting in favour, 27 voting against, 1 abstaining from voting) on an amendment submitted by Councillor Heather Williams, which was defeated.   The Council (27 voting in favour, 8 voting against, 0 abstaining from voting) considered and reviewed the report and appendices as presented. and:   General Fund (GF): Revenue   (a)  Approved the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix A to the report.   (b)  Approved the proposed General Fund revenue budget for 2025/26, as shown in the GF summary budget at Appendix C to the report and summarised at Appendix B to the report, considering the statement by the Chief Finance Officer on the risks and robustness of the estimates as required under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, reproduced at Appendix G to the report.   (c)   Acknowledged the key factors which had led to the proposed 2025/26 General Fund Revenue Budget, with service budget proposals and savings summarised at Appendix D to the report and efficiency savings and income generation (outcome of budget star chamber meetings) summarised at Appendix E to the report.   (d)  Approved the setting of the Council Tax Requirement for 2025/26 at £12,255,340 and approve an increase in the district element of the Council Tax of £5.09 per annum, giving an average Band D Council Tax of £175.40, plus the relevant amounts required by the precepts of the Parish Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Cambridgeshire Fire Authority.   (e)  Approved the estimates of the amounts required to be made under the Non-domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013 as set out in paragraphs 47 - 58.   (f)    Approved the use of the additional income from the Business Rate Pool, estimated at £1,700,000 in 2025/26, for transfer to the established Renewables Reserve for priority projects.   GF: Review of Reserves   (g)  Approved the movement in Reserves in 2024/25 as set out in Appendix H to the report, and note the estimated balance of Reserves of £31.390 million.   GF: Capital   (h)  Approved the General Fund Capital Programme as shown in Appendix I to the report.