URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1445

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) on the 2027/28 Budget update.   The Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:   ·       The report provided an important and constructive update on the development of the Council’s 2027-28 budget. ·       Although the financial outlook remained challenging, significant work had already been undertaken to identify practical options for both the General Fund (GF) and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). ·       The proposed approach showed a potential route to balancing the GF while also making meaningful progress in reducing the HRA shortfall. ·       It was to be noted that this was at an early stage of the budget process and the position would continue to evolve as assumptions were refined. ·       The report therefore sought Cabinet support for the proposed approach and invited the Policy Development Groups to help identify further deliverable savings, ensuring Members played a full role in shaping a balanced, sustainable budget that protected the Council’s priorities and essential services.   Discussion took place with regards to:   ·       Section 3.2.1 of the report which mentioned a possible reduction in the contribution to Earmarked Reserves. It was explained that, in the past, significant amounts had been put into various Earmarked Reserves to fund future asset maintenance and replacements, however, in order to close the budget gap, it may be necessary to reduce these contributions. Further review work would take place after the Policy Development Groups had met in September. ·       It was confirmed that sufficient resources would be made available to fund Planning Enforcement. The department now had the full complement of staff having undergone a recent review of this area. The Planning Enforcement team were one of the most robust in the county. The team had to deal with a significant number of cases in a rolling programme. Much of this data needed to be protected, therefore, if a Member had a query they were encouraged to contact the team directly.   RESOLVED that:   1.     The proposed approach to balancing the 2027/28 General Fund and Housing Revenue Account budget gaps be APPROVED. 2.     The Policy Development Groups be requested to identify and recommend further deliverable savings options to Cabinet.   (Proposed by Cllr J Downes and seconded by Cllr J Lock)     Reason for decision:   By undertaking regular reviews of the MTFP the Council could ensure that its Corporate Plan priorities were affordable. The implications of the budget gap were set out within the paper. Therefore, a number of key assumptions underpinned the reported position, which would be refined as greater clarity was received through the budget setting process.    Note: * Report previously circulated.  

Date of Decision: September 1, 2026