Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Burke and K Horn.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules. The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2025

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2025.

It was moved by Councillor M Ball, seconded by Councillor D Bigby and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2025 be approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any outstanding items from previous meetings.

The update was noted.

To report on Cabinet’s response to recommendations and comments made by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

Members discussed the responses and were pleased that some of their recommendations had been included in the budget proposals.  They went on to discuss the authority’s settlement figure from central government and the opportunities available to invest in projects moving forward.

The update was noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

The report was presented jointly by Councillors K Merrie, A Woodman and M Wyatt as Portfolio Holders, who were supported by the Strategic Director of Resources.  Each of the draft Cabinet reports detailed in the appendices were taken in turn.

The hard work undertaken by the Strategic Director of Resources and the finance team on the draft budget was acknowledged by the Portfolio Holders and the committee.

Appendix A – Draft 2026/27Robustness of Budget Estimates

Some inaccuracies were highlighted with the figures detailed in the table at paragraph 4.14.  Officer agreed to amend these prior to consideration by Cabinet.

In relation to the Transformation Programme, concerns were raised on the wording used as it over emphasised efficiencies and service reductions and did not acknowledge the potential to approve services if finances allowed.  It was suggested that improvements could be made by aligning the wording with elsewhere in the report that already recognised the balance.  Officers agreed.

Comments were made on the rare position that the Council was in with some financial headroom.  Officers were warned against being overly  risk averse when investment could improve outcomes for communities. Officers reminded members that it was full Council that signed off the final budget proposals.

Appendix B – Draft Capital Strategy, Treasury Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2026/27

The following comments were made by the Committee:

-        Capital Receipts: a Member asked why the anticipated general fund capital receipts such as the land sale at Stenson House were not shown in the Capital Programme, in comparison to the right to buy receipts which were included in the Housing Revenue Account.  The Strategic Director of Resources clarified that it was due to accounting conventions and agreed to circulate a previously issued written explanation on the matter to Members outside of the meeting.

-        Need to improve the programme management of projects: It was noted that this was included in the previous year’s budget which Members felt was not achieved with the Marlborough Centre Project.  It was hoped more diligence would be taken in future to ensure adequate costings.  The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that there were lessons to be learnt from the project.  The Strategic Director of Resources advised that there were better governance arrangements now in place which were more robust. 

-        Right to Buy Receipts:  A discussion was had on the current aims to spend the receipts within a five-year period to avoid the funds returning to central government, however it was noted that it was difficult to be certain as the future circumstances were unpredictable.  The Strategic Director of Communities explained the complex methodology around the housing replacement process, and that changes to government policy on this were now being phased in

-        Liability Benchmark: Comparing the graphs at page 53 and 54 of the report to those in the previous financial budget 2025/26, the improvement seemed positive.  A request was made for further information.  The Strategic Director of Resources explained that it was a very complex matter and therefore a written response  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Councillor K Merrie, Portfolio Holder, presented the report. 

A discussion was had on Section 106 Agreements, during which officers explained the reasons for delays in releasing funds, and it was acknowledged that the matter required further scrutiny.  The Strategic Director of Communities agreed to take the suggestion of a future report to the Scrutiny Work Programming Group.

The report was noted.

To consider any items to be included in the work programme. The plan of forthcoming Cabinet decisions and the current work programme are attached for information.

Consideration was given to the future work programme.

It was noted that the Finance Update – 2025/26 Quarter 3 report would be brought to committee later than scheduled due to the pressures on the team with the focus on budget proposals and statement of accounts.

The future work programme was noted.