The
report set out the proposed fees and charges for 2024/25 for all
services and summarised the overall changes. Fees and charges are
reviewed annually, and this forms part of the budget setting
process. Changes to fees and charges will come into effect on 1
April 2024 unless otherwise stated in the report.
The
report forms part of the process of agreeing a budget for 2024/25
and setting next year’s Council Tax. Following consideration
by Cabinet at its meeting on 20 September 2023 of the draft Medium
Term Finance Strategy for 2024/25 – 2028/29 the savings
budget proposals for services were agreed.
The
draft MTFS described how, in bridging the budget gap, the Council
would need to balance the requirement to make savings and generate
increased income of 5%.
This 5%
increase could be delivered by price increase and or volume
increases. This needs to be considered in respect of any potential
changes being approved by Cabinet.
The
report also included an update on the Budget Survey. Public
consultation on the budget has been carried out. Details are set
out in Appendices F and G to the report. Cabinet reviewed the
findings and assessed whether the budget proposals being presented
later this year are consistent with public expectations and
aspirations.
