Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 15, 2026

Purpose: The Local Government Act 2003 requires the Chief Finance Officer (Deputy Chief Executive and CFO) to report to Members, when setting the level of Council Tax, on the robustness of the budget presented and adequacy of reserves. The CFO report highlights the strong financial management the Council. It also outlines the major financial issues facing the Council in the medium-term period, which without the Council taking a commercial approach could increase the reliance on council tax income as well as impact on the future delivery of Council services.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   1) noted the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) report (Appendix A) and the issues contained within, including the local government finance settlement and the sections on key risks, and that these be considered when setting the council tax for 2026/27 and agreeing the Council’s medium term financial plan (MTFP);   2) supported the response to the local government finance settlement as set out in Appendix 6 of the Chief Finance Officer report.