Decision Details

That Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it approves: 

1. The 2026/27 General Fund Budget as set out in this report and detailed in the Appendices C to F and notes the budget forecasts for 2027/28 and beyond;  

2. The movements to and from Earmarked Reserves and the General Fund Balance for 2026/27 to 2029/30 as presented in Appendix G; 

3. A proposed Band D Council Tax for East Suffolk Council of £197.82 for 2026/27, an increase of £5.67 (2.95%);  

4. The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy attached as Appendix I; 

5. No changes to the Council’s discretionary policy for Council Tax Discounts and Premiums for 2026/27 as set out in paragraphs 2.61 and 2.62 of the report; and

And that Cabinet notes;
6.    For the Overview & Scrutiny Committee to receive an analysis  of the first full year of the increased car park fees and charges which were raised as part of last year’s budget and were subject to call-in by the Committee.

The Council is required to approve a balanced budget for the forthcoming financial year and to set the Band D rate of Council Tax. This report sets out the context and parameters in order to achieve that objective and contribute towards a financially sustainable position for 2026/27.

The report brings together all the relevant information to enable Members to review, consider and comment upon the Council’s General Fund revenue budget before making recommendations to Council on 25 February 2026.