Issue - meetings

General Fund Revenue and Capital – Final Budget Proposals 2026/27

Meeting: 27/02/2026 - Council (Item 9)

9 General Fund Revenue and Capital - Final Budget Proposals 2026/27 PDF 612 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Presenting the General Fund Revenue and Capital budget proposals for 2026-27, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets described it as not just a financial report but a moral statement about who we are, what we value, and what kind of Cheltenham we are determined to build. He said budgets are about choices, priorities and people, and this budget is being set at a time of real pressure for local government, with costs rising and the demand for service not eased – these are the fragile financial and economic conditions under which the council is working. Despite the government’s promise of stability and long-term funding, district councils have more responsibility without stable funding. CBC takes that responsibility seriously but the national system is broken and local government is working in uncertainty.

He said CBC has not stepped back or lowered its ambitions however, and through careful stewardship, evidence and strong values can now present a balanced financial plan which protects frontline services and supports the most vulnerable. We have worked methodically, made difficult decisions where needed, always focussed on doing the right thing for Cheltenham and its residents. We want to make it a place of opportunity, which can grow sustainably, protect its most vulnerable, push forward climate action for future generations, and prioritise community wellbeing.

He commended the budget to the Council.

Member questions

In response to Member questions, Cabinet Members said that:

- Golden Valley is a complex and long-term project and a huge commitment, which will result in both regional and national benefits. CBC is trying its best to leverage assurances and support from the government;

- the planning overspend results from restructuring of the department over several years, and the ongoing struggle to recruit planners in the face of a national shortage. The department has now been reorganised and has recruited a number of staff, so although there appears to be an overspend now, when taken with the last 3-4 years of underspend, probably balances out to a neutral position overall;

- the underspend in Building Control is due to the fact that it is a shared, commercial service with Tewkesbury Borough Council and its market share has recently risen hugely, bringing in a lot more income than expected. A budget must set out what the service will cost to deliver, but so far this year income has been greater expenditure – which demonstrates that we provide a good service.

The Mayor put on record his thanks to the finance team for delivering the budget in such difficult and unprecedented circumstances.

Statements by group leaders

On behalf of the Green Party, Councillor Joy acknowledged that continued economic uncertainty makes it particularly hard to pitch the budget at this time. They welcomed the budget, and had no amendments on this occasion, making the following comments:

- as a member of the dynamic and inquisitive Budget Scrutiny Working Group, it has been good and useful to examine issues as they come in and submit ideas throughout the budget ... view the full minutes text for item 9

Meeting: 24/02/2026 - Cabinet (Item 9)

9 Final General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals PDF 612 KB

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED THAT: Cabinet recommends that Council:

1. approves the revised budget for 2025/26 which is reported as part of the budget monitoring process in Section 6 and Appendix 15.

2. considers the budget assessment by the Section 151 Officer at Appendix 2 when agreeing the following recommendations.

3. approves the final budget proposals including a proposed council tax for the services provided by Cheltenham Borough Council of £252.11 for the year 2026/27 based on a Band D property (an increase of 2.99%).

4. approves the budget strategy for the delivery of savings / additional income totalling £582,852 at Appendix 4.

5. approves the revenue growth items totalling £159,334 at Appendix 5.

6. approves the capital programme at Appendix 6.

7. approves that the minimum level of General Fund Balances is set at £1.5m.

8. approves the use of reserves and general balances and note the projected level of reserves, as detailed at Appendix 7.

9. approves the programmed maintenance programme at Appendix 8.

10. approves the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 9.

11. approves the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) detailed in Appendix 10.

12.approves the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26, including the continued payment of a living wage supplement at Appendix 11.

13.approves the proposed fees and charges schedule for 2026/27 at Appendix 12, subject to appropriate consultation where required.

14.approves the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2025/26 at Appendix 13.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets said it was his privilege to present the budget proposals for 2026-27, which will be debated in full at Council in three days’ time.

A Member said it was good to hear the thorough examination of the council’s finances at Audit, Compliance and Governance Committee on Monday night, and the responses from the external auditors and officers confirm that this is a good budget.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets also thanked Budget Scrutiny Working Group for their valuable input.