URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=982

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Cabinet will be asked to consider the proposals for the 2026 to 2027 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026 to 2030 for West Suffolk Council, prior to its approval by Council.  This report includes the Minimum Revenues Provision (MRP) Policy and Prudential Indicators, and also the outcomes of the Council’s review of its fees and charges.   The fees and charges have been reviewed in accordance with the Council’s Fees and Charges Policy, which has resulted in proposed increases to some. Where the proposed increase is greater than five percent, this constitutes a Key Decision. The Cabinet will consider the proposals as part of its consideration of this report. 

Content: The Cabinet will be asked to consider the proposals for the 2026 to 2027 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026 to 2030 for West Suffolk Council, prior to its approval by Council.  This report includes the Minimum Revenues Provision (MRP) Policy and Prudential Indicators, and also the outcomes of the Council’s review of its fees and charges.   The fees and charges have been reviewed in accordance with the Council’s Fees and Charges Policy, which has resulted in proposed increases to some. Where the proposed increase is greater than five percent, this constitutes a Key Decision. The Cabinet will consider the proposals as part of its consideration of this report.  (Note: This item constituted a Key Decision in part where proposed increases in fees and charges contained in the report were greater than five percent (Attachment D, Appendix 6a).  Other decisions emanating from the report would require final approval by Council on 24 February 2026.  This was reflected in this Decisions Notice accordingly)   Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process): (24 February 2026)   That: 1.           The revenue and capital budget for 2026 to 2030, plus 2025 to 2026 capital projects that subsequently require to be carried forward at the year-end, attached at Attachment A and as detailed in Attachment D (Appendices 1-6), Attachment E, and Attachment F to Report number CAB/WS/26/007, be approved.   2.           Having taken into account the conclusions of the Chief Operating (S151) Officer’s report on the adequacy of reserves and the robustness of budget estimates (Attachment C) and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Attachment D), particularly the Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis (Attachment D, Appendix 5) and all other information contained in Report number CAB/WS/26/007, the level of council tax for 2026 to 2027 be established at £209.70 for an average band D property  (the level of council tax beyond April 2027 will be set in accordance with the annual budget process for the relevant financial year).   3.           The Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, be authorised to vire funds between existing Earmarked Reserves (as set out at Attachment D, Appendix 3) as deemed appropriate throughout the medium term financial planning period.   4.           Delegated authority be given to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, to formulate and implement in full, Government grant, discount or relief schemes (examples include but not limited to those set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.16 and 4.7 to 4.11 of Report number CAB/WS/26/007), so long as they are as a minimum, revenue cost neutral to the council.   5.           The statutory exceptions to Long Term Empty and Second Homes premiums of 100%, set out in paragraph 4.9 of Report number CAB/WS/26/007, be noted and the discretionary exceptions set out in paragraph 4.10 be approved, in order to align across the Anglia Revenues Partnership.   Resolved: That: 6.           The fees and charges price increases, as set out in Attachment D Appendix 6a to Report number CAB/WS/26/007, be approved.   Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process): 24 February 2026:   That: 7.           The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy, as set out in Attachment F to Report number CAB/WS/26/007, be approved.      

Date of Decision: February 3, 2026