Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)     approve the overall General Fund, Capital & HRA Budget Strategy for 2027/28;

b)     note the consultation process with Members;

c)     note that Budget Officers continue work on the assessment of various budget proposals affecting services for consideration in setting the Council's budget;

d)     note that Budget Managers work with Finance Officers in identifying further efficiency savings, increasing income from fees and charges and in identifying new sources of income;

e)     to review thepolicies and principles on Budgeting, Council Tax, Reserves and Provisions, Charging, Value for Money and make any recommendations to Council;

f)      note that the additional budget required as a result of the restructure due to LGR in 2026/27 of £273,987 be funded by reserves set aside during 2025/26, and that the additional £16,384 to fund the 2027/28 budget be funded by the reserves set aside during 2025/26. The savings generated from 2028/29 onwards, then occur within the budget thereafter; and

g)     approve the additional x1 FTE in the Planning Policy and Infrastructure team as per 3.7.7 funded for two years from grant funding and added into the general fund thereafter.

Approve the additional x1 FTE in the Heritage Culture and Visitors Business Unit as per 3.7.8 funded from the overall restructure savings identified in the table at 3.7.9.