Decision details

To approve: The General Fund and HRA Budget for 2025/26, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programmes and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy and the Annual Delivery Plan, including  the approval of Council Tax Levels for recommendation to Full Council

a) That Cabinet note the results of the Public Consultation process (Appendix 7) and the minutes of the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel held on 21st January 2025 (Appendix 8)

b) That Cabinet approves the following recommendations for onward referral to Full Council on 27th February 2025:

1.    That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund, HRA and Spalding Special for 2025/26 (Appendices 1, 1a, 1b and 1c) be approved.

2.    That the Council Tax for a Band D property in 2025/26 be set at £208.53 (£7.11 per annum increase on 2024/25 levels).

3.    That the Spalding Special Expenses for a Band D be set at £23.13 for 2025/26, (previously £25.83 in 2024/25).

4.    The additions to and use of reserves (as detailed at Appendix 1) be approved.

5.    The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (at Appendix 1) be approved.

6.    That the HRA related staffing changes as incorporated into the budget and specifically detailed at Appendix 1 section 8.2.4 are approved.

7.    The Capital Programmes and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1, 2 and 3) be approved.

8.    The Section 25 addendum (Appendix 1) be noted.

9.    That the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Strategy Statement including MRP Policy (at Appendix 4) be approved.

10. The Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 (Appendix 5) be approved.

11. The Annual Delivery Plan for 2025/26 (Appendix 6) be approved.

·       To comply with the budgetary and policy framework and legislative requirement).

·       No other options were considered;