Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 9, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   (1)  That the Council’s current financial position based on the financial outturn for 2024/25 and the Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring exercise, both of which were considered by the Executive Board earlier this year be noted.   (2)  That the continuing uncertainty with the funding outlook for the Council, not least the unknown outcome of the fair Funding 2.0 consultation and the Business Rates Reset be noted.   (3)  That the update to the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2026/29 as shown at Appendix A and that a further update will be provided once details of the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026/27 are known be noted.   (4)  That the updated timetable set out in the report for the development of the Council’s Budget for 2026/27 be noted.   (5)  That all Portfolio Holders have been requested to undertake a review of all fees and charges in their Portfolios, in line with the Council’s Constitution and the agreed Fees and Charges Framework, with a view to maximising the amount of income received by the Council by implementing any changes from 1st January 2026 (where it is possible to do so) be noted.   (6)  That the Portfolio Holders, in conjunction with Lead Strategic Directors/ Directors be requested to identify and bring forward budget savings options for 2026/27.   (7)  That any such proposals arising from the work in (6) above be considered by the Executive Board in due course (and subject to the proposal on consultation in (8) below.   (8)  That subject to the work referred to above and agreement with Councillors, that some form of public and business-based consultation on the Council’s budget should take place over Autumn 2025 with a view to informing decisions on the Council’s budget for 2026/27.