Agenda and draft minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Wednesday 26 November 2025 and Tuesday, 2 December 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meetings held on Wednesday 26 November and Tuesday 2 December 2025 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

No declarations were made at this point.

Members were advised that there had been no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 8.1.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Resources that asked Members to endorse the Fees and Charges Policy for 2026/27 and also to consider a range of charging options as deemed appropriate to the service area.

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

The officer preferred option is option 1.  Fees and Charges are reviewed on an annual basis and as outlined within the report, significant factors have become apparent as to why differing treatment is required within a couple of areas. It is felt that the recommendations made are of a fair nature and in-line with the attached policy.

Councillor Bottoms proposed, seconded by Councillor Tyldesley:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That Cabinet endorses the Fees and Charges Policy as set out at Appendix A, to the report and during 2026/27 as part of the mid-year budget strategy review determines whether any other areas of income generation be explored further for 2026/27 onwards.

(2)        That Cabinet endorses the freezing of garden waste collection charges for 2026/27.

(3)        That Cabinet endorses the introduction of new fees and charges within Planning & Climate Change as detailed in section 3.2 of the report.

(4)        That Cabinet proposes the increasing of selected car parking pay and display charges plus establishment of new charges as appropriate, in line with those listed in section 3.3 to the report, to be consulted upon with partners ahead of final decisions at Cabinet on 10th February 2026.

(5)        That Cabinet endorses the application of inflationary increases to fees and charges across all remaining areas as appropriate, as reported as part of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 8.1.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that provided an update on the Council’s budget strategy for 2025/26 and financial outlook up to 2030/31. Specifically, the report considered the budget and Council Tax proposals for 2026/27.

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

It is essential that the Council Tax rate is set in line with the Council Tax billing timetable. Any delay would put the Council at risk of not being able to collect the tax which would have serious cash flow implications.  In terms of the actual budget position, work is ongoing to provide a balanced budget. Public consultation/stakeholder meetings will be held over the coming weeks (including Budget and Performance Panel). The feedback from these meetings will be considered by Cabinet and incorporated into a final budget proposal which will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 10 February 2026 and recommended to Council on 25 February 2026.

The latest budget position does not produce a balanced budget for 2025/26 and further intervention is necessary before Cabinet can be presented with a balanced budget.

Whilst the longer-term financial forecasts contain numerous estimates and assumptions, which will change over time, the forecasts clearly highlight potential annual and cumulative budget deficits over the next 5 years and the position the Council faces. Although this position is not unique to this Council, it is reflected nationally across many public sector bodies. The gaps identified for 2026/27, although are lower than previously forecasted, are still present. Members and Officers recognise the size of the challenge ahead including that of LGR and will look to manage the transitional change to ensure the Council delivers both its statutory and non-statutory services across the district.

Councillor Bottoms proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)            That Cabinet recommends to Council a 2.99% increase to the Lancaster City Council element of the Council Tax as set out in paragraph 3.3 (option one) of the report which is an increase to the Band D Council Tax from £264.30 to £272.20.

(2)            That the recommendations and proposals in this report be referred to Council on 28 January for initial consideration prior to public consultation/stakeholder meeting on 3 February by Budget and Performance Panel, in order that any feedback can be provided to Cabinet at its 11 February meeting.

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 decision enables the proposals to be considered by the Budget and Performance Panel and at January Council allowing Cabinet to make further recommendations back to Council to complete  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.