The next stage in the budget setting process will take place at a Cabinet meeting on 24 February.

A report outlining a balanced budget for 2025/26 will be discussed. At this stage Cabinet will debate and review the proposals before they go to full council on 6 March for final approval. 

At last month’s Cabinet the budget gap was £3.299m. Now, the budget is balanced, and the proposed budget is £160.202m. This is based upon a proposal for a 4.99% increase in council tax, which includes a 2% adult social care precept. It is also dependent on the requested Exceptional Financial Support for 2025/26 of £15.709m capitalisation direction being approved by government.

Within the budget proposals are changes to the fees and charges for certain services. 

The fees and charges have all been reviewed and are to be increased in line with inflation or additional costs of service delivery.

The proposed increases include 5% for hire of venues and sports pitches; 3.5% increase in parking charges and variable fee increases of up to 10% for burials, cremations, weddings and citizenship. 

The papers also include the proposal of introducing car park charges in currently free car parks.

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “Delivering a balanced budget is our legal duty and I am pleased Cabinet can now consider what is presented after many months of careful deliberation.

“The council is still working within difficult financial circumstances, with costs for adult social care and temporary accommodation rising, and while also facing increasing demand. We need to be confident we can balance the books and provide the essential services our residents need, while living within our means and planning for future needs.

“Fees and charges are reviewed annually and it important we receive the full amount it costs us to provide services.”

The budget Cabinet papers will be published as part of the 24 February meeting papers on the council’s website.