1.    that the budget proposals for 2026/27 are launched for consultation running until midnight on 18 January 2026 and that the Overview and Scrutiny Board be asked to provide feedback as part of that consultation;

2.    that the Chief Finance Officer be given authority to amend these budget proposals for any technical adjustments necessary between services and within the overall envelope of funding in agreement with the Leader of the Council;

3.    that, should the Local Government Finance Settlement due to be announced in December 2025 materially affect the proposed budget proposals, the Director of Finance be requested to present an update report to the Overview and Scrutiny Board and Cabinet in January 2026; and

4.    that the Chief Finance Officer report to the meeting of the Cabinet on 17 February 2026 on the implications for 2026/2027 as a result of these proposals currently being considered and the consultation results, in light of the final settlement which is expected by early February 2026.