Agenda

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the following Council meetings:

(a)       Council Meeting – Monday 10 November 2025

(Agenda republished to include the attached minutes on 20 February 2026)

(b)       Extraordinary Council Meeting – Tuesday 13 January 2026

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).

6.1      Budget & Council Tax 2026-27

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 - 27. 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 9 February 2026 for reference on to Council.

6.2      Conservative Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2026 – 27

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Conservative Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 – 27.

6.3      Green Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2026-27

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Green Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 – 27.

(Agenda republished to include the alternative budget proposals submitted by the Green Group on 20 February 2026)

6.4      Liberal Democrats Group amendments to the Budget & Council Tax proposals 2026 – 27

To consider the proposed amendments submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group in relation to the Council’s budget proposals for 2026 – 27.

This report presents the Council’s External Auditor’s Annual Report on value for money as part of the 2024 - 25 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.

This report provides an update on treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2025-26.

Members are asked to note that the report was considered by Audit & Standards Advisory Committee on 3 December 2025 and referred on to Council by Cabinet on 19 January 2026 for consideration in compliance with CIPFAs Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice.

This report outlines the annual review of the Members Allowance Scheme undertaken for 2026 – 27.

(Agenda republished to include an amendment to the proposed Members Allowance Scheme  submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group on 20 February 2026)

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