Issue - meetings

To consider the initial financial plan proposals 2026/27 to 2028/29.

RESOLVED

1.     That comments be invited on these budget proposals.

The reasons for the decision are included within the Report, including any alternative options considered.

The Executive considered the report which detailed the initial Financial Plan Proposals for 2026/27 to 2028/29. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee would consider these proposals at their meetings on Tuesday 13^th January 2026 and Tuesday 3^rd February. The Executive would meet on Tuesday 10^th February to recommend the Final Financial Plan to Full Council for adoption on Tuesday 24^th February. 

The report and appendices included the budget timetable, the Council Tax Base, a Council Tax Calculator, a summary of the revenue budget plan from 2025/26, a summary of the fees and charges, the Capital Programme 2026/26-2028/29 and the Council’s Financial Plan 2026-2031. 

Councillor Parrott introduced the item and the recommendation. He thanked the work of the Chief Finance Officer and the Finance Team and highlighted the number of upcoming meetings where Members will consider the Budget proposals and the annual survey for residents. Councillor Parrott gave an overview of the main elements of the report including the Local Government Settlement, an overview of Council Services and the main highlights of the initial Budget Proposals including a 2.99% increase of Council Tax, the continued up to 100% Council Tax Reduction Scheme, an average 5.4% increase to Fees and Charges and the range of investments relating to parks, waste facilities, housing, leisure, infrastructure, climate change and support to the community and voluntary sector.  

The Head of Financial Services and Audit highlighted that although the Local Government Settlement is a 3-year settlement, it represented a reduction in real terms cash for the Council but welcomed the certainty that a multi-year settlement provided.  

Councillor Palethorpe asked for clarification regarding multi-year inflationary funding to voluntary group grants. The Head of Financial Services and Audit highlighted that the multi-year settlement provided certainty, but individual grants were subject to annual agreements. 

Councillor Buscombe spoke to this item regarding Business Rates. The Head of Financial Services and Audit responded that this was the first year of the Business Rates reset and commented on the ending of the pooling arrangements in Devon. 

Councillor Keeling thanked the work of the Executive Member and Officers involved in the proposals and highlighted the consultation meeting with Towns and Parishes on Thursday 18^th December 2025. 

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Parrott and SECONDED by Councillor Keeling and

RESOLVED

1.     That comments be invited on these budget proposals.

The reasons for the decision are included within the Report, including any alternative options considered.