Agenda item

To receive a report providing the detail of the final Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the updated Fees and Charges 2026/27 as set out in Annexe B1 and B2 of the submitted report; and

(b)  noted the proposals for the setting of future parking charges and proposals within the main body of the submitted report.

Recommended to Council

(a)  the approval of the overall budget 2026/27 as set out in within the submitted report;

(b)  the approval of the 2026/27 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 2b of the submitted report;

(c)  to set the Band D Council Tax rate for Huntingdonshire at £170.86, representing a £5 (3.01%) increase to the current charge;

(d)  the approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2027/28 – 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy;

(e)  the approval of the Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 8 in the submitted report;

(f)  to endorse the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves as set out in Appendix 9 in the submitted report; and

(g)  to note the fees and charges 2026/27 as set out in Annexe B1 and B2 in the submitted report.

A report by the Interim Corporate Director – Finance & Resources was submitted (a copy of which is appended to the Minute Book) providing the detail of the final Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor Mickelburgh introduced the report, noting that a balanced and robust budget had been produced despite significant economic pressures. He drew attention to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth), and advised that when the budget process was completed, the Head of Finance would look into the detail of earmarked reserves from the perspective of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The Cabinet reflected on the value of the considerations from the Overview & Scrutiny Panel. The importance that the Council retained staff in a challenging period approaching LGR was noted, as well as it being well justified on a commercial basis. It was prudent to budget for the increase in staff salaries, and reference was made to the importance of pay rectification and treating staff with equity and recognising outstanding performance. The Cabinet recognised the pragmatic judgement made in terms of the length of the MTFS and felt the report was robust and appropriate to the Council’s circumstances. Furthermore, the Cabinet welcomed the work and detailed analysis of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) and reflected that the Panel had not identified fundamental issues, which was reassuring.

In response to a question from the Cabinet, the Executive Councillor for Finance & Resources stated that when it came to LGR the ability to have some confidence over the Council’s approach had made Option E possible. That put the Council in a better place in comparison to other Authorities. Furthermore, he reflected on the achievement of passing on good financial footings moving forward, particularly at a time where LGR was approaching. Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that

(a)  the updated Fees and Charges 2026/27 as introduced in Annexe B1 and B2 of the submitted report, be approved; and

(b)  the proposals for the setting of future parking charges and proposals within the main body of the submitted report, be noted.

Recommended to Council

(a)  the approval of the overall budget 2026/27 as set out in within the submitted report;

(b)  the approval of the 2026/27 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 2b of the submitted report;

(c)  to set the Band D Council Tax rate for Huntingdonshire at £170.86, representing a £5 (3.01%) increase to the current charge;

(d)  the approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2027/28 – 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy;

(e)  the approval of the Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 8 in the submitted report;

(f)  to endorse the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves as set out in Appendix 9 in the submitted report; and

(g)  to note the fees and charges 2026/27 as set out in Annexe B1 and B2 in the submitted report.