Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Andrew Cooper and Councillor Jo Lawson.

To approve the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14^th November 2025.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th November 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Committee.

All agenda items were considered in public session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, members of the public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No deputations or petitions were received.       

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No public questions were received.

The Committee will be invited to consider the draft budget proposals

for 2026/27, as agreed by Cabinet on 2^nd December 2025, so that

the comments can be included within the consultation response and

reported to Cabinet when it considers the budget at its meeting on

10th February 2026 and Council at its meeting on 25^th February 2026.

Contact: Sheila Dykes – Governance Manager

The Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive introduced the draft budget proposals for 2026/27, as agreed by Cabinet on 2^nd December 2025, and the Council Plan.  The following points were highlighted:

·       The Council Plan was in the final stages of development but there was still an opportunity for comments and feedback to be put forward.

·       The importance of the Council Plan was emphasised; the priorities established within it guiding decision-making on the budget.

·       The new three?year financial settlement from the Government allowed for improved long?term planning.

·       The four headline Council Priorities remained consistent:

1.  Getting the basics right.

2   Protecting the vulnerable.

3.  Enabling everyone to thrive and have successful lives.

4.  Economic growth.

·       Public consultation on the Council’s proposed budget had taken place, with early feedback appearing constructive.

·       Scrutiny formed part of the wider consultation process before the final decision was taken in February.

·       Additional revenue funding was proposed for priorities identified by residents and businesses, such as planning services, addressing fly?tipping and support for community organisations.

·       The updated Capital Plan included £35.1 million towards a new sport and leisure facility in North Kirklees to replace Dewsbury Sports Centre. It represented the continuation of the programme of investment into the local economy and infrastructure.

·       The Council’s financial position was improving, though there were still challenges and difficult decisions to be made.

·       It was important to maintain a focus on prevention to mitigate long-term pressures particularly in children’s and adult social care and close partnership working was taking place with providers and NHS colleagues.

·       A lot of work had been done in terms of reviewing the Capital Plan.

·       Most discretionary fees and charges had increased by 3% to reflect inflation.

·       Ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of services. Assessments had been undertaken of vacant posts and work was underway to establish how digital solutions could improve and support productivity and also maximise income for local residents.

·       The maintenance of appropriate risk management and governance practices, balancing risk awareness with enabling community?led activity.

·       The level of savings required had reduced over the last three years.

·       The level of engagement on the budget consultation had reduced compared to the previous year; this may be due to the controversial nature of some of the proposals for that year.

·       Initial analysis indicated that the key themesfrom residents related to highways and infrastructure, town centre regeneration and Council Tax affordability.

·       The financial implications of not applying an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%.

·       The strengthening of engagement with political groups and their leaders and the production of a detailed ‘budget book’.

·       The emerging themes informing the preparation of the Cabinet report scheduled for early February:

- The continued need for a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.  Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision was an ongoing challenge, and a White Paper was expected imminently, which would impact on responsibilities and funding arrangements.

- Workforce capacity; with most post deletions proposed being vacant posts; the Council continued  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.