To consider the report of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer) (enclosed).

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

1.     To have regard to the comments of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer) in paragraph 4.4 of the report in respect of the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 2003. 

2.     That the 2026/27 General Fund Revenue Account net expenditure budget of £19.2m be approved.

3.     That delegated authority be given to the S151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to make minor amendments to the Budget should it be necessary.

4.     That delegated authority is given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to determine and approve expenditure from the £700,000 budget allocated to Local Government Reorganisation, in order to ensure timely, flexible and efficient use of resources.

5.     That delegated authority is given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to determine and approve expenditure from the additional £500,000 budget allocated to Homelessness to explore, identify and deliver new initiatives over and above those being planned and delivered for 2026-27.

Reasons:

1.     It is a requirement for the Cabinet Executive and Council to take into account the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 2003 in relation to the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of reserves. 

2.     Cabinet and Council are required to consider and approve the General Fund Revenue Account budget proposals in order to set the budget and Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year. 

3.     Minor amendments to the budget may become necessary prior to the commencement of the year in April, it is therefore appropriate to give delegated authority to allow these to be reflected in the budget.

4.     The sum of £700,000 is proposed to be added to the budget to enable the Authority to respond effectively to the costs associated with the next stage of Local Government Reorganisation, delegated authority enables a flexible and timely approach.

5.     The sum of £500,000 is proposed to be added to the budget to enable the Authority to respond effectively to the rising costs of temporary accommodation and the numbers of homeless individuals and families presenting to the Council.  This delegation will enable new initiatives to be explored to address the increasing demand.

Considered – Report of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer).

A supplementary report which contained two additional recommendations detailed below at 4 and 5 was circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.

The Finance, People and Transformation Portfolio Holder, Cllr Cheryl Cashmore proposed an amendment to Recommendation 2.1, the reference to paragraph 4.7 should read 4.4. 

Other Options Considered:

No other options have been considered – The Council is required to set its budgetary requirement and for the Council to consider the opinion of the Executive Director (S151 Officer) as to the robustness of the proposed budget and the levels of reserves and balances being adequate.