Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 24, 2026

Purpose:

Content: The Council voted (10 voting in favour, 30 voting against, 0 abstaining from voting) on an amendment moved by Councillor Heather Williams, which was defeated.     The Council voted (29 voting in favour, 10 voting against, 0 abstaining from voting) and resolved to:   General Fund (GF): Revenue   (a)   Approve the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix A.   (b)   Approve the proposed General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27, as shown in the GF summary budget at Appendix C and summarised at Appendix B, considering the statement by the Chief Finance Officer on the risks and robustness of the estimates as required under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, reproduced at Appendix G.   (c)   Acknowledge the key factors which have led to the proposed 2026/27 General Fund Revenue Budget, with service budget proposals and savings summarised at Appendix D and efficiency savings and income generation (outcome of budget star chamber meetings) summarised at Appendix E.   (d)   Approve the setting of the Council Tax Requirement for 2026/27 at £12,865,470 and approve an increase in the district element of the Council Tax of £5.24 per annum, giving an average Band D Council Tax of £180.64, plus the relevant amounts required by the precepts of the Parish Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Cambridgeshire Fire Authority.   (e)   Approve the estimates of the amounts required to be made under the Non-domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013 as set out in paragraphs 52 - 66.   GF: Review of Reserves   (f)    Approve the movement in Reserves in 2025/26 as set out in Appendix H and note the estimated balance of Reserves of £37.169 million.   (g)   Approve setting aside £0.5 million into an earmarked reserved as a prudent estimate for the council’s one-off costs associated with Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), reviewed annually.   GF: Capital   (h)   Approve the General Fund Capital Programme as shown in Appendix I.