URL: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=986

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Morris-Cook introduced the report. Councillor Morris-Cook explained that the Local Government Finance settlement was released today. The finance team are looking through this. There has been a reallocation of funding based on need. Thurrock will benefit as it is a high depravation area.   Councillor Morris-Cook stated that the budget will be going out to consultation to residents and she urged them to engage with it.   RESOLVED: 1.1.  a.    Cabinet approved the draft budget for 2026/27 and the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 to 2028/29, noting this is subject to further consultation, so that Cabinet may later consider the budget considering the consultation responses and the equality impact assessment before it is referred to Council in February.   b.    Cabinet noted that the Autumn Budget 2025 confirmed broad plans which will impact on local government for 2026/27 onwards, but that the draft budget will be updated when the detail is announced in the Indicative Financial Settlement which has been received on the 17 December 2025.     c.    Cabinet noted that, at draft stage, savings proposals totalling £13.9m are identified against a target of £13.65m.   d.    Cabinet noted the planning assumption to increase core Council Tax by 2.99% and to increase Adult Social Care Precept Council Tax by 2% in 2026/27; and   e.    Cabinet agreed that the councils 2026/27 schools funding formula be implemented as stated in paragraphs XX. This being consistent with previous cabinet decisions made since 2020/21.   f.      Cabinet referred this report to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 January 2025 for consideration.   Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report This decision is subject to call-in

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025