Decision details

To consider and recommend approval of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025-26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2027-28.

Decision:

1.        Noted the comments arising from the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 January 2025.

2.        Recommended the following to full Council

(at its Budget Meeting on 5 February 2025):

1.    That the General Fund Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in Appendix 6 be approved.

2.    That a 2.99% increase in Guildford Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, be approved with resultant increases to the other council tax bands.

3.    That the Council’s existing Local Council Tax Support Scheme, with uprating as set out in Appendix 1 and the £40,000 discretionary hardship fund that runs alongside it, be continued.

4.    That Council endorses the updated guidelines for Discretionary Reductions, set out in Appendix 2.

5.    That, from 1 April 2025, the Council varies its determination of 7 February 2024 under Section 11B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to except properties from the long-term empty dwelling levy in accordance with The Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 SI 1007.  Where a property is not excepted the long-term empty dwelling levy starts after a property has been empty and unfurnished for one year.

6.    That, from 1 April 2025, the Council varies its determination of 7 February 2024 under section 11C of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to except properties from the premium on periodically used dwellings in accordance with The Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 SI 1007.  Where a property is not excepted the Council will charge a premium (levy) of 100% on periodically used dwellings.

7.    That the schedule of Fees and Charges, as set out in Appendix 3 to this report, be approved with the amendment that the subscription fee per garden waste bin be increased to £65 per annum.

Reason(s):

1.        The General Fund Budget is a major decision for the Council and setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement.

2.        Scrutiny of the MTFP and Budget proposals demonstrate transparency and good governance.

3.        The Council has been well positioned to respond to the financial challenges faced by all local authorities. Whilst the latest MTFP for the subsequent years ending 2028-29 continues to project future financial pressures, and opportunities, the Council will take action to ensure sufficient funding is in place to deliver and maintain services.

Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:

None.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.