RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
(1) Noted the Council’s expected funding for 2026/27.
(2) Confirmed (in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy) that budget forecasts should be based on increasing Council Tax by 2.99% (the maximum amount allowable without a local referendum). Noting that Government have assumed Council Tax will increase by the maximum allowed in calculating Core Spending Power.
(3) Agreed which proposals (revenue and capital) should be taken forward as part of the budget-setting process for 2026/27.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a proposed budget and level of Council Tax for 2026/27, to be considered by Full Council on 26 February 2026.