Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) To agree the General Fund Budget 2024/25 (original) and projected MTFS as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) To agree the General Fund Budget 2023/24 (revised) as set out in Appendices 2 & 3 to the report.

(3) To agree an increase in the Council Tax for Lewes District Council of 2.99% resulting in a gross Band D charge (including Special Expenses) of £228.17 for 2024/25.

(4) To agree the revised General Fund & Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2024/25 as set out at Appendix 4 to the report.

(5) The rates of Fees and Charges proposed within Appendix 5 to apply from 1 April 2024 and to implement changes to statutory fees and charges for services shown within Appendix 5 to the report as and when notified by Government.

(6) To note the Section 151 Officer’s sign off as outlined in the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Finance and Performance, seeking their recommendation to Full Council on the General Fund Budget 2023/24 and updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), together with the updated Capital Programme and Treasury Management position.

The announcement of the recent Local Government Finance Settlement, equated to around £120,000 for the Council and this would be factored into the budget proposed to Full Council.

Debbie Twitchen (Tenants of Lewes District), addressed the Cabinet and thanked the Council for their work with TOLD in preparing the budget.

Cabinet expressed thanks to officers for their work in producing a balanced budget in difficult economic circumstances.

Policy and Performance Advisory Committee (PPAC), held on 25 January 2024 considered the report and were supportive of the officer recommendations in full. A budget briefing had also taken place for all Councillors to attend.

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) To agree the General Fund Budget 2024/25 (original) and projected MTFS as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) To agree the General Fund Budget 2023/24 (revised) as set out in Appendices 2 & 3 to the report.

(3) To agree an increase in the Council Tax for Lewes District Council of 2.99% resulting in a gross Band D charge (including Special Expenses) of £228.17 for 2024/25.

(4) To agree the revised General Fund & Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2024/25 as set out at Appendix 4 to the report.

(5) The rates of Fees and Charges proposed within Appendix 5 to apply from 1 April 2024 and to implement changes to statutory fees and charges for services shown within Appendix 5 to the report as and when notified by Government.

(6) To note the Section 151 Officer’s sign off as outlined in the report.

Reason for decisions:

The Cabinet has to recommend to Full Council the setting of a revenue budget and associated Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year by law.