Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet: (1)            noted the forecast revenue outturn position; (2)            noted the forecast Housing Revenue Account (HRA) outturn position; (3)            noted the forecast Dedicated School Grant (DSG) position; (4)            noted the forecast Capital position; (5)            approved a budget of £0.075 million from contingency to cover further commercial and legal advice, including the drafting and finalisation of the Collaboration Agreement and leading the negotiation with Bywater’s and any legal advice in relation to implementing an injunction or commencing a Compulsory Purchase Order process; (6)            approved a budget of £0.427 million to be incorporated within the 2025/26 MTFS for a period of two years (2025/26 and 2026/27) for Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) but is subject to a further business case in the New Year; (7)            approved a budget of £0.956 million to be incorporated within the 2025/26 MTFS for investment in the Housing Prevention and Assessment Team. This investment will be targeted at reducing pressure on the Housing General Fund by increasing opportunities to prevent homelessness and supporting residents to move on from temporary accommodation as quickly as possible; (8)            approved funding for Commissioning Health Check of £0.150 million funded from the budget strategy reserve providing clear recommendations for improvement to allow the Council to shift towards a more strategic, outcomes-focused commissioning approach; (9)            approved the continuation of the 8 Borough Business rates pool for 2025/26; and (10)        approved the re-baselined 24/25 Capital budget of £154.62m from the July 2024 approved budget of £184.24m.   Options & Alternatives Considered Much of this report is concerned with provision of information, for which alternative options is not a relevant consideration.