Decision details

To recommend the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26 to Council.

1.         To thank scrutiny commissions for taking time to consider and comment on the draft budget.

2.         In response to comments made:

(a)       I acknowledge the concerns members expressed about adventure playgrounds, and today I am publishing a decision which will secure their funding for the whole of 2025/26;

(b)       The final equality assessment now specifically refers to care experienced young people which was omitted from the draft report;

(c)        I note the requests at a number of commissions for transparency regarding the asset disposal programme, and will ensure that regular updates are brought to the scrutiny function.

3. To recommend to Council the following:

(a)       approve the three-year budget strategy described in the report submitted by the Director of Finance;

(b)       approve the proposed budget and council tax for 2025/26 as described in the report, including the recommendations in the formal budget resolution;

(c)        approve the budget ceilings for each service shown at Appendix 1 to the report;

(d)       approve the scheme of virement described in Appendix 2 to the report;

(e)       approve the use of the £90m capital fund to support the revenue budget strategy (dependent on decisions taken in respect of the capital programme for 2025/26, which is elsewhere on the Council’s agenda);

(f)        approve the changes to earmarked reserves to support the overall strategy as described in Appendix 5;

(g)       note the view of the Director of Finance’s on the adequacy of reserves and the estimates used in preparing the budget;

(h)       note the equality implications arising from the proposed tax increase, as described in paragraph 15 and Appendix 3;

(i)         note the medium-term financial strategy and forecasts presented at Appendix 4, and the significant financial challenges that lie ahead;

(j)         in relation to council tax for empty properties:

•           Thank those who responded to our consultation, the results of which are described at Appendix 6;

•           Note the equality implications arising from a decision to change council tax payable in respect of empty properties, as described at Appendix 6A;

•           Change the current policies as described at Appendix 6, specifically to commence charging Council Tax on empty, unfurnished property as soon as it becomes empty; and to apply exemptions introduced by the Government.

(k)        approve the capital receipts flexibility policy at Appendix 7, to come into force if and when a government direction is received.

The revenue budget forms part of the budget and policy framework.  Its approval is the responsibility of the full Council. The City Mayor is responsible for the preparation of a proposal for Council consideration.

A draft budget was published, and a formal decision to that effect was made by the City Mayor on 10th December 2024.  The budget was considered by a number of scrutiny commissions, whose comments were considered by Overview Select Committee on 30th January.  Minutes of the commissions and Overview Select Committee have been circulated to Council members.

Not Applicable