Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)

The Committee received and considered the report of the RFO in relation to budget-setting for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Members were advised it was good practice for the Council to formally agree the parameters within which the budget for 2026/27 would be prepared. The RFO had outlined the current position with suggested prudent estimated increases for inflation, staffing costs, utilities, insurance, and other expenditure lines, and sought the Committees endorsement, to enable him to work to these parameters when producing the draft budgets.

The RFO also provided information on consulting residents about the 2026-27 budget and how this could be accomplished within the limited timeframe for finalising the budget calculations. Members agreed that while a consultation would demonstrate transparency, it would only be valuable if the feedback could impact the final decision.

It was concluded that the consultation should consist of a small number of straightforward questions focused on prioritising key services, and that consideration be given to collecting postcode and age data to enhance the results analysis.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, the budget parameters contained in the report be approved and,

3.      That, consultation on the budget takes place, based on the prioritisation of services, with these delegated to officers to finalise.