Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: For consultation

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 13, 2025

Purpose: To consider Service and Financial Planning 2026/27 and Capital Programme proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31.

Content:   RESOLVED that the Executive agreed to consult with Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s Budget Scrutiny Panel and other stakeholder groups, the draft Revenue Budget proposals for 2026/27 and Capital Programme proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This would come back to Executive in January and then be forwarded to Council for approval in February.   (i)             That the national and local policy context (Annex 1) and significant financial uncertainties at this stage in the budget-setting process be noted. (ii)           That the service proposals set out in this report which seek to respond to this context and deliver our corporate priorities, be endorsed. (iii)         That the draft service business plans for 2026/27 to 2028/29 be noted, and that Heads of Service finalise the plans for their service areas in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders. (iv)         That the following be approved for consultation under the Council’s budget and policy framework: a. Medium Term Financial Plan Forecasts (Annex 2). b. Forecast revenue budget requirement of £23.018 million. c. Impacts resulting from Service and Financial Planning process for Service budgets amounting to a net decrease of (£1.915) million as follows:   • Pay savings of (£0.399) million. • Non-pay growth £0.572 million • Non-pay savings of (£1.924) million • Additional fees and changes income of (£0.164) million • Further details can be found at Annex 3.   d. Impacts resulting from the Service and Financial Planning process for Central budgets amounting to a net increase of £0.793 million as follows:   • Non-pay growth of £0.937 million • Non-pay savings of (£0.144 million) • Further details can be found at Annex 3.   e. Revenue Reserve Balances forecast as at 31 March 2026 of £27.032 million as set out (Annex 2). (This is following discussion by Members where it was agreed that the use of £0.200 million of reserves to fund resourcing requirements related to the Renters’ Rights Bill, was removed from the Service & Financial Planning recommendations.)   f. A forecast drawdown of revenue reserves of £0.683 million to balance the Revenue budget for 2026/27, subject to announcements in the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, and any other outstanding items to be included in the final January 2026 Budget report.   g. The movement in reserves above incorporates within it a specific drawdown of £0.671 million to fund Housing Benefit Subsidy pressures, rather than recognition as base budget growth.   (v)           That the proposed Capital Programme of £10.755 million as set out in (Annex 4) be noted.   (vi)         That the Fees & Charges Policy (Annex 5) be approved.   (vii)        That the Reserves Policy (Annex 6) be approved.