Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Information Only

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 14, 2024

Purpose: To consider Service and Financial Planning 2025/26.

Content: RESOLVED – that the Executive agreed:   (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 2025/26 to 2027/28 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 and proposed actions to address the forecast Revenue Budget gap (Annex 2).   b. Service Revenue Budget growth proposals totalling £0.666 million, savings of (£0.687) million and additional fees and charge income of (£0.182) million (Annex 3).   c. Central Revenue Budget savings and growth proposals totalling (£0.189) million, and £1.716 million provision for the 2025/26 pay award (Annex 3).   d. Revenue Reserve Balances forecast at 1 April 2025 of £29.231 million (Annex 6); and   e. A forecast drawdown of revenue reserves of £0.279 million to balance the Revenue budget for 2025/26, subject to final announcements in and any outstanding items in the provisional local government settlement to be included in the final January 2024 Budget report.   (v)           That the Capital Programme Growth proposals totalling £0.839 million (Annex 4) be approved.   (vi)         That the Fees & Charges Policy (Annex 5) be approved.   (vii)    That the Reserves Policy (Annex 6.1) be approved.