Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) presenting to Members an update on the 2026/27 Budget and to trail the emerging Capital Programme covering the period 2026/27 to 2030/31.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) presenting an update on the 2026/27 Budget and the emerging Capital Programme covering the period 2026/27 to 2030/31.

The following was highlighted within the report:

·       This was only a very brief budget update since clarification from central Government was still needed. The forecasted position based on a number of assumptions was presented to the last meeting, no greater detail had been received from central Government since then. The autumn statement was due on the 26th November 2025 and that would give, at a very high level, national indications of where funding would go but not at a local authority level. The Council would have to wait until the Local Government Finance Settlement in December for that. Budget proposals had been presented and supported by this Group in September 2025. All the green recommendations were approved subsequently by the Cabinet. The Cabinet was currently awaiting clarification on the amber proposals before reaching a decision.

·       In terms of the Capital Programme where there were new proposals or changes to the existing scheme, these were shown in Appendix 1.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       Currently, this was the last scheduled opportunity for the Policy Development Group to comment on the budget proposals for 2026/2027. Considerations would be taking place in the near future to determine to best way to seek Member engagement regarding next year’s budget before the necessary deadlines and this may need to be by way of an all-Member briefing. This was yet to be determined.

·       Clarification was sought as to the position on Section 106, development money and how this was used within capital projects? It was confirmed that how projects were funded would be shown in the February committee reports. Section 106 monies were important as the Council did not receive any capital grant from Government. It was largely used to fund initiatives such as play parks.

·       Were there any revenue implications on the capital projects or were they just things the Council needed to do to maintain or improve it’s assets? What would be the impact on the revenue budget of taking those initiatives forward.? It was explained that largely speaking there were no revenue impacts, but some things, for example ICT where the Council had additional licences would have a knock-on impact but very few of these were asset replacements.

Note: * Report previously circulated.