Agenda and draft minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

The Leader of the Council thanked Councillor Broach for his work as the Executive Member (Resources), and announced Councillor Scott would take on the portfolio for Executive Member (Finance). Councillor Jones was also thanked for his work as the shadow member for Resources.

Economic development responsibilities would move to the Leader’s portfolio.

The Cabinet agreed that Councillor Hobbs would replace Councillor Scott on the Cabinet Housing Panel.

To note declarations of Members’ disclosable pecuniary interests, non-disclosable pecuniary interests and non-pecuniary interests in respect of items on the Agenda.

No declaration of interest were received.

To consider the following items:-

The following item was considered for recommendation to Full Council:

To receive a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

Cabinet received a report on the Budget Proposals and Medium-term Forecasts 2025/26.

The Budget Task & Finish Panel and the Overview & Scrutiny Committee were thanked for their work.

During the discussion the following points were raised:

·         It was noted Setting a budget is no small task, and looking for ways to land on a balanced and legal budget, while trying to make sure it’s as fair as possible to our residents.

·         Councillor Broach was thanked for his efforts to produce the budget.

·         Members were pleased that the Budget had gone through Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Budget Task & Finish Group with no major amendments.

Decision taken

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out in the report;

2.    Noted the updates to the budget proposals; and

3.    Recommended the budget proposals to Full Council for approval.

Reason for decision

The Budget Task & Finish Group recognised the challenging financial situation in the Medium Term and discussed the 2025/26 proposals in detail, before feeding back to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended that the Council should respond to the government consultation on the Local Authority Funding Reform, with particular focus on the response to nationally set fees and charges.

National Insurance Grant and business rates deficit will also be updated in the final papers that will be sent to Full Council for approval.