Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that set out the latest position in respect of the Budget and Policy Framework and Cabinet’s proposed General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Revenue Budget

Council may adjust its revenue budget proposals, so long as the overall budget for 2025/26 balances and fits with the proposed Council Tax level.

Other Budget Framework Matters (Reserves and Provisions)

Given known commitments, risks, and Council Tax restrictions there is little flexibility in financial terms, but Council could consider different budget strategies to be appraised for future years, or alternative arrangements for approving the use of various reserves, or different virement and/or carry forward limits. Overall, however, previous arrangements have worked reasonably well, and so no other fundamental changes are proposed.

Section 151 Officer’s Comments and Advice

Council is required to note this formally in the minutes of the meeting; hence it is reflected in the recommendations.

Depending on the nature of any alternative proposals put forward, Officers may need time to assess the risks and implications. This is to ensure that relevant considerations are taken into account, to support informed and lawful decision making.

OFFICER PREFERRED OPTION (AND COMMENTS)

Revenue Budget 2026/27 and Reserves Position

To agree the recommendations as presented as the proposals to be put forward by Cabinet should fit with any external constraints and the budgetary framework already approved. The recommendations as set out meet these requirements; the detailed supporting budget proposals are then a matter for Members.

During questions a request was made to exclude the press and public in order that the information contained within the exempt appendices could be discussed.  Councillor Maddocks proposed the exclusion seconded by Councillor Riches and this was agreed unanimously.  The press and public were excluded and readmitted after approximately ten minutes.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

At this point Councillor Riches advised that although she would not be voting against the proposals, she wished for it to be noted that she was opposed to the amount of money being put into the LGR transition fund as this was something that wasn’t in the manifesto of the current government.

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That Cabinet recommends the following for approval to Budget Council 25 February:

 (1)       That the General Fund Revenue Budget of £27.373M for 2026/27 be approved, resulting in a Council Tax Requirement of £11.931M, excluding parish precepts, and a Band D basic City Council Tax rate of £272.20

(2)        That the supporting General Fund Revenue Budget proposals be approved, as summarised at Appendices A, C, C1 and C2 to the report.

 (3)       That the budget transfer (virements and carry forwards) limits be approved as set out in Appendix E to the report.

 (4)       That Cabinet authorises the use of the General Fund Unallocated Reserve to fund the £0.831M contribution required to the Lancashire Local Government Reorganisation Transition Fund.

(5)        That Cabinet notes the Section 151 Officer’s advice regarding robustness of budget estimates, the adequacy of reserves and balances, specifically the advice that the minimum level of balances be retained at £5.0M, to provide for added uncertainty.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

The budget framework in general sets out a financial plan for achieving the Council’s corporate priorities and outcomes which incorporate the above cross cutting themes. Equalities impact assessments are undertaken for the relevant activities which are reflected in the budget.  The proposed budget incorporates measures to address the climate emergency and digital improvements as well as activities to address wellbeing, health, and community safety.

The report addresses the actions required to complete the budget setting process for 2026/27, and for updating the Council’s associated financial strategy.