Decision details

To receive a budget update for 2025/26.

Cabinet: -

(a)        noted the updated cost pressures set out in this paper and the validation work that has been carried out on them.

(b)        agreed the assumptions being used in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

(c)        noted the financial gap arising from (a) and (b) above.

(d)        agreed the 2025/26 principles for budget setting as outlined in section 13 of the report to Cabinet 19 November 2024.

(e)        noted the approach to closing the budget gap set out in this paper of 19 November, recognising that this was work in progress.

(f)          agreed to continue to lobby local MPs and work with peers to press the case for additional, multi-year funding.

(g)        agreed that Cabinet Members work with officers to continue to identify and develop further efficiencies and savings.

(h)        endorsed the next steps and timetable leading up to the 2025/26 budget which would be presented to Full Council on 11 February 2025.

Reason for the decision

Councils were required by law to set an annual budget and for that budget to be ‘balanced’ or fully funded. Essentially this means that expenditure was balanced by income without unsustainable use of one-off, or short-term sources of finance.