Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 10, 2024

Purpose:

Content: (1)        That the Council’s current financial position based on the financial           outturn for 2023/24 and the Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring exercise,         both    of which were considered by the Executive Board earlier this    year be noted.   (2)        That the continuing uncertainty with the funding outlook for the      Council, not least that any progress on Local Government Finance     Reforms was likely to take place after the Local Government Finance         Settlement    2025/26 and the upcoming Spending Review be noted.   (3)        That the update to the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2025/28, as         shown at Appendix A attached to the report, be noted and that a          further update be provided once details of the Local Government   Finance Settlement for 2025/26 was known.   (4)        That it be noted that all Portfolio Holders have been requested to             undertake a review of all fees and charges in their Portfolios, in line          with the Council’s Constitution and the agreed Fees and Charges            Framework, with a view to maximising the amount of income received        by the council by implementing any changes from 1st January 2025 (where it was possible to do so).   (5)        That Portfolio Holders be asked, in conjunction with lead Strategic                       Directors/Directors to identify and bring forward budget savings               options for 2025/26.   (6)        That it be agreed that any such budget proposals arising from the work   above be considered by the Executive Board in due course (and          subject to the proposal on consultation below).   (7)        That subject to the work above and agreement with Councillors, it be       agreed that some form of public and business-based consultation on      the Council’s budget should take place over Autumn 2024 with a view   to informing decisions on the Council’s budget for 2025/26.