Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose: To present an updated medium term financial strategy (MTFS) and the Cabinet’s budget proposals for 2026/27 and an update on the longer-term view to 2029/30 for consultation as part of the annual reporting on the Policy and budget framework required under the Local Government Act 2000.  

Content: Cabinet:   1.  Note the 2025/26 current year forecast outturn position as detailed in section 5 of the report.   2.  Note the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy position set out in section 8 of the report and the risks and sensitivities associated with the forecast and the contingency plans set out in section 14of the report.   3.  Note that consultation will run for 8 weeks during November and December 2025 as detailed in section 22 of the report.   4.  Approve the budget proposals for consultation, including the proposals for changes to fees and charges, detailed in section 9 and appendices 1 and 4, with the Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) detailed in appendix 3 of the report.   5.  Note that this update shows a balanced budget in 2026/27 and 2027/28, with an indicative budget gap in the last years of the MTFS, which may fall post local government reorganisation.   6.  Note the initial proposals for additions to the capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 which are still subject to final review in section 12 and appendix 2 of the report.