Issue - decisions

(Note: This item constituted a Key Decision in part where proposed increases in fees and charges contained in the report were greater than five percent (Attachment D, Appendix 6a).  Other decisions emanating from the report would require final approval by Council on 20 February 2024.  This was reflected in the Decisions Notice accordingly).

Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process)

(20 February 2024):

That:

1.           The revenue and capital budget for 2024 to 2028, plus 2023 to 2024 capital projects that subsequently require to be carried forward at the year end, attached at Attachment A and as detailed in Attachment D (Appendices 1-6), Attachment E, and Attachment F to Report number CAB/WS/24/010, be approved.

2.           Having taken into account the conclusions of the Director’s (Resources and Property) report on the adequacy of reserves and the robustness of budget estimates (Attachment C) and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Attachment D), particularly the Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis (Attachment D, Appendix 5) and all other information contained in Report number CAB/WS/24/010, the Cabinet recommends the level of council tax for 2024 to 2025 be established at £197.82 for an average band D property (the level of council tax beyond April 2025 will be set in accordance with the annual budget process for the relevant financial year).

3.           The Director (Resources and Property), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, be authorised to vire funds between existing Earmarked Reserves (as set out at Attachment D, Appendix 3) as deemed appropriate throughout the medium term financial planning period.

4.           The Director (Resources and Property) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, be given delegated authority to formulate and implement in full, Government grant, discount or relief schemes (examples include but not limited to those set out in paragraphs 3.14-3.16 and 4.7-4.10 of Report number CAB/WS/24/010), so long as they are as a minimum, revenue cost neutral to the Council.

5.           The change to the Second Home Premium, set out in paragraphs 4.7 to 4.10 of Report number CAB/WS/24/010, be approved.

Resolved:

That:

6.           The fees and charges price increases (as set out in Attachment D, Appendix 6a of Report number CAB/WS/24/010) be approved.

Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process) (20 February 2024):

7.           The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy (as set out in Attachment F of Report number CAB/WS/24/010), be approved.