Issue - meetings

To consider the Council’s proposed Budget Report 2025/2026.

Contact: Kevin Mulvaney, Service Director – Finance

RESOLVED –

1)    That it be noted that in relation to the General Fund Revenue, the Proposed Budget for 2025/26 presented within the considered report is based on the approval and delivery of £11.4m of new savings for 2025/26 as set out at Appendix D.

2)    That it be noted, that at this stage, based on assumptions arising from the Chancellor’s budget and the subsequent policy statement, the budget is balanced.

3)    That in noting that a balanced budget must be set no later than 10 March 2025, should the final local government finance settlement vary from the assumptions at (2) above, then further savings may be required.

4)    That approval be given to a consultation on the Proposed Budget for 2025/26, including a proposed 2.99% increase in core Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept.

5)    That the forecast spending and funding plans for the 2025-26 period as set out at Appendix B, be noted.

6)    That the forecast levels of statutory and other Council reserves, as set out at Appendix C be noted.

7)    That the Council’s participation in the Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool for 2025/26 be noted.

8)    That, pursuant to (7) above, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and Service Director – Finance, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member, to agree the governance arrangements for 2025/26, for approval through the Business Rates Joint Committee as outlined in section 2.6 of the considered report.

9)    That in relation to Capital, approval be given for consultation on the updated Capital Plan for 2024-32 as set out at Appendix E.

10)That in relation to the Housing Revenue Account, the proposed budget including rent and service charges increases for the Housing Revenue Account, as set out at Agenda Item 11, be noted.