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.