Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Mayor advised that it was proposed that the speaking times be extended to permit the mover of the report 15 minutes to speak on the matter, and to allow 7 ½ minutes for the seconder and other Group Leaders and this was agreed by the meeting. 

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services outlining the Council’s Budget and Financial Strategy for 2026/27.

In presenting the budget, the Leader thanked the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, the Finance Team and Councillor Virdi for their hard work producing the budget, during very challenging times. He referred to the substantial changes to Government funding, and late changes to the financial settlement, which he felt had led to unfair rather than Fair Funding. The Leader expressed disappointment that financially well managed councils were being punished, and that the Government had forgotten the great work councils such as Rushcliffe did.

The Leader confirmed that due to the Council’s continued prudent financial management, freezing Council Tax for 2026/27 was proposed, he referred to the modest increase to the Special Expenses budget, and that West Bridgford had excellent facilities and events, thanking the Community Facilities Team for organising those for everyone. The Leader confirmed that Rushcliffe’s Council Tax would remain in the lowest 25% in England and the lowest in Nottinghamshire, which everyone should be proud of. The Leader referred to the proposals to introduce a Council Tax Discount for the terminally ill and advised that the effectiveness of the Second Homes Premium and revocation of the Policy was being reviewed, with both items intended to go to Scrutiny. It was noted that Rushcliffe had been hit with a significant Business Rates reduction, and there was no longer any New Homes Bonus (NHB); however, the budget remained committed to further economic growth. Risks remained, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and international conflict; however, the budget mitigated such risks. The Leader referred to changes linked to Government policy, as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report, including Simpler Recycling and changes in funding formula, which had led to more Revenue Support Grant, to help offset reductions in Government funding.

The Leader referred to the Transformation and Efficiency Programme, and to Council’s earmarked reserves, used to manage risks and opportunities. The Council was committed to funding economic growth masterplanning across the Borough, Radcliffe on Trent was advanced, with a wish to look at other main settlements. Council was reminded that Rushcliffe remained debt free, whilst retaining an ambitious Capital Programme, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to providing excellent services, supporting the vulnerable and improving the environment.

In conclusion, the Leader stated that Rushcliffe remained under financial pressure; however, it was continuing to improve services and grow the Borough, having a virtually balanced budget over five years. Despite the poor outcome of the Fair Funding review, the Council was well set to continue providing excellent services and maintain stable finances, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54