Decision details

Cabinet noted that the final figures would be updated following recent announcement of the final Financial Settlement from Government.  These will be updated in the papers for Council.

RECOMMENDED 1

It is recommended that Council note the revision to the Forecast for 2024/2025 as set out in the report.

RECOMMENDED 2

Council is recommended to approve the Policy on Earmarked Reserves and General Fund Balance and the maximum balances set for the reserves as noted in the report and at Appendix 8 of the report.

RECOMMENDED 3

That Council :

1) Approves the budget requirement of £26,329,130 for 2025/2026 and notes the projections for 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029.

2) Approves the Fees and Charges 2025/2026 detailed in Appendix 4a and 4b and approves the new Fees and Charges Policy at Appendix 4c

3) Approves the Pay Policy at Appendix 5

4) Approves the level of Special Expenses for the Town/Parish Councils as detailed in the report (Appendix 7).

5) Approves a Band D council tax of £152.87 for 2025/2026.

RECOMMENDED 4

That Council approves a minimum requirement of the General Fund balance for 2025/2026 of £1,316,460 (5% of estimated budget requirement).

RECOMMENDED 5

Pursuant to Section 25 of the Local Government Act, Council is asked to have due regard to this statement at Section 9 of this report when considering and approving the budget and the level of council tax for 2025/2026.