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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
There were no disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
None.
There were no public questions received.
The Leader and Ben Smith attended. The following points were discussed. Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 3rd Quarter 2025/26 · Members noted that overall services are forecasting an underspend at Quarter 3, with Social Services remaining the only overspending service. · Education and Place are underspent, with explanations provided. · A further underspend is anticipated at outturn, with elements of contingency and central inflation not required in‑year and therefore expected to roll forward. · Capital underspending will result in an additional contribution to the Capital Equalisation Reserve. Medium Term Financial Planning 2027/28-2029/30 (MTFP) · The Panel noted that the assumptions within the MTFP remain largely unchanged from those presented in January. · Borrowing requirements are expected to increase in future years due to deferred borrowing for major schemes and wider pressures on capital financing. · Interest rates are unlikely to return to previous lows, with long term borrowing expected to remain in the 4–6% range. · The Panel noted that the MTFP savings proposals are substantial but broadly in line with previous years and will require close oversight through the Transformation Programme. Revenue Budget 2025/26 · It was noted that a net uplift of approximately £60m is being added to services, including significant increases for schools and social care. · A proposed council tax increase of 3.9% is expected to be the third lowest in Wales. · The budget assumes continued inflationary pressure in care home fees, with uplifts as high as 14% presenting an ongoing risk. · Members noted the £12m allocated for highways resurfacing and repairs and welcomed confirmation that existing contracts will roll over into the new financial year to avoid delays in delivery. · Members noted that several savings proposals represent increases in fees or income rather than service efficiencies. · Concerns were raised about the increases in burial, cremation and registrar fees alongside a reduction in registrar staffing. · Members welcomed the proposed £250k increase in fly‑tipping enforcement funding, recognising its importance in addressing environmental issues across wards. Capital Budget and Programme 2025/26-2030/31 · The Panel noted the scale of the capital programme presented. · Members discussed the impact of borrowing costs and the continued strategy of deferring borrowing until interest rates fall. · For the Skyline project, members noted that the approved figure incorporates both the scheme and associated land and connectivity costs. · Members queried the low level of capital receipts and the ongoing strategic approach to disposals and reinvestment. · Clarification was provided that detailed information on treasury investments and returns is available through the Annual Treasury Management Statement. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – Revenue Budget 2026/27 · The Panel noted the positive outcome of the recent legal case which has allowed planned use of reserves to resume. · Additional funding is being directed to address pressures in repairs and maintenance following significant overspends this year. Housing Revenue Account Capital Budget and Programme 2025/26-2029/30 · Increased contributions to HRA capital will support accelerated high rise works.
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