Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 25, 2025

Purpose: It is recommended that Cabinet: •note the 2026/27 Draft Budget, including progress to date in setting out spending pressures and efficiencies. •note the approach to resident engagement.

Content: RESOLVED:   That Cabinet notes the 2026/27 Draft Budget, including progress to date in setting out spending pressures and efficiencies, as set out in Appendix A. That Cabinet notes the budget gap of £21.3m for 2026/27 and the next steps required to close the gap. That Cabinet notes the proposed Draft Capital Programme for 2026/27 of £277.4m, as set out in Section 6 of the report and Appendix B. That Cabinet notes the summary of Resident Engagement and next steps.    Reasons for Decisions:   In January 2026, Cabinet will be asked to recommend a Final Budget for 2026/27 to full Council for approval in February. The draft budget sets out proposals to direct available resources to support the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities, balanced against a challenging financial environment, giving Cabinet the opportunity to comment on the proposals and next steps.   (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)