Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet approved the recommendations presented in the report, including the estimated revenue outturn for 2025/26 and the write-offs of Council Tax and NNDR accounts.
summary: The decision involves reviewing the Council's revenue expenditure and income for the year 2025/26, including approving write-offs and releasing funds for projects.
topline: The Council's Cabinet has decided to approve the recommendations for the Council's revenue expenditure and income for the year 2025/26.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it mainly involves financial management and budgeting decisions.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council members", "Council staff", "Taxpayers"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4048
Decision Maker:
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Curtis – Resources Portfolio The Cabinet received an update on the position of the Council’s revenue expenditure and income as at Period 4 (31 July 2025) together with an estimated net outturn position for each service for 2025/26. The options available to The Cabinet were to note the outturn figures as presented or to request that any issues identified for further consideration be addressed. In receiving the report, The Cabinet noted that for the various reasons outlined within the agenda report, the revenue budget estimated outturn position for the whole of 2025/26 was a favourable variance of £65,000. This, together with a net transfer from reserves of £317,531, would leave revenue reserves with an estimated balance of £14,533,138 as at 31 March 2026. There had been two write-offs over £1,000 that had been approved and were required to be reported to The Cabinet. The details of these were: Council Tax totalling £43,954.33 over 77 accounts NNDR totalling £223,363.64 over 82 accounts In receiving the report, the approach to non-reliance on interest rate income was advised as prudent, and revisiting projects in order to remain as up to date as possible was acknowledged. In response to a query regarding the infrastructure backlog, it was confirmed that this was due to delayed capital maintenance work that was now in the process of being completed. Following which, it was RESOLVED: (1) That the actual net variance as at Period 4, and the estimated revenue outturn for 2025/26, be received; (2) That as part of the mid-year review, the release and creation of funds as identified in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.4 of the agenda report, be approved; and (3) That the write-offs contained within paragraph 3.1 of the agenda report be noted. Note: This item is not subject to call-in to the OSC as it is not a key decision
Date of Decision: September 1, 2025