Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30, the Budget 2025/26, and the Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2029/30. It was explained that the purpose of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) was to set a robust overall framework for the Council’s Financial Strategy and spending plans over the next five years in support of delivering the Corporate Plan. Members heard that the report set out the revised financial plans within the Financial Analysis for changes in Government Funding, the economic environment, local engagement and the priorities for the Council. The plan reflected the revisions to previous estimates and covered the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. Additionally, it was highlighted that the Financial Analysis included the draft budget for 2025/26 for scrutiny and consideration prior to recommending to Council.

A Member of the Committee recorded his thanks to all Officers involved in the work relating to the Council’s finances, naming Emma Foy, the Director of Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer, Peter Davy, Financial Services Manager and Deputy S151 Officer, and Sue Leversedge, the Business Support Team Leader. He recognised the pressure on them to deliver a successful budget, referencing the current financial strain experienced by councils across the country, expressing concern for how to safeguard against future constraints for the district.

The Chairman noted the unexpected announcement of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the challenges presented by it. In response to a query as to the Executive Business Plan, which in previous years had been included with the paper under consideration, it was noted that, following comments from the recent peer review and also in light of the LGR and changing political scene, the Executive Business Plan was under initial review to ensure it was as robust as possible whilst being reflective of the changing times.

Members of the Committee echoed thanks to the Finance Officers, and recognised the challenges being faced by them and the Council. There was further discussion regarding the Executive Business Plan, with Members offered assurance that it would proceed through the Committee system as normal, however it was under review and therefore slightly delayed compared to previous presentations.

With no further questions or comments, and with the written recommendations having been proposed, seconded, and voted on, it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the approval of the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/26 – 2029/30 be recommended to Council; and

b)    the review of Reserves and the proposed use and contributions to both the General Fund Balance and Earmarked Reserves as detailed at 2.8 within the Medium-Term Financial Plan be approved; and

c)    a balanced Revenue Budget for 2025/26 (Appendix 1), having been considered, be recommended to Council; and

d)    the Capital Programme 2025/26 – 2029/30 (Appendix 4), having been considered, be recommended to Council; and

e)    the Statement of the Chief Finance Officer on the Robustness of Estimates and Adequacy of Reserves be accepted; and

f)     the Pay Policy Statement (Appendix 6), having been considered, be recommended to Council; and

g)    the creation of a new earmarked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108