Agenda

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on Monday 18 November 2024.

(Agenda republished to include attached minutes on 26 February 2025)

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

To agree any appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies (if any) in accordance with Standing Order 30(g).

(Agenda republished to include the final list of appointments on 26 February 2025)

6.1     Budget & Council Tax 2025-26

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2025 - 26. It also details the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities considerations in relation to the budget proposals. The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

Members are asked to note that the recommendations in the report were approved by Cabinet on 10 February 2024 for reference on to Council.

6.2     Conservative Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2024 – 25

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Conservative Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2025 – 26

(Agenda republished to include the attached alternative budget proposals on 21 February 2025)

6.3     Liberal Democrats Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2024 – 25

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2025 – 26

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2023 - 24 audit of the year end accounts. It also sets out the key recommendations made within the Annual Report.

Members are asked to note that a representative of the Council’s External  Auditor’s (Grant Thornton) will be present at the meeting to present the report and respond to any issues raised.

To receive a report presenting the outcome of the consultation process undertaken on changes to the Local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme 2025-26 and seeking approval to the revised scheme.

Members are asked to note that the proposed changes in the report were approved by Cabinet on 10 February 2025 for reference on to Council.

This report provides an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2023-24.

Members are asked to note that the report was noted by Cabinet on 10 February 2025 and has been referred on to Council for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

This report outlines the annual review of the Members Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2025 - 26.

(Agenda republished to include the attached report on 21 February 2025)

At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business, in accordance with Standing Order 37(s).