Agenda item

A proposition was moved by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor David Ellis in the following terms:

 

1.            In accordance with the recommendations of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the Prudential and Treasury Indicators and Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2026/27, which includes the Minimum Revenue Provision  Policy  Statement,  the  Borrowing  Strategy,  and  the  Annual Investment Strategy, set out at pages 5 to 35 of the Council agenda, be approved.

 

2.            In accordance with the recommendations of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the Capital Programme and Capital Investment Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 set out at pages 91 to 101 of the Council agenda, be approved.

 

3.            In accordance with the recommendation of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the financial threshold above which decisions will be regarded as Key Decisions be set at £0.5 million for 2026/27, and that the detailed budget for 2026/27 included at pages 131 to 152 of the Council agenda be approved.

 

4.            That the sum of £180,100 be contributed to General Fund Balances in 2026/27 to support future General Fund revenue expenditure.

 

5.            That it be noted that the Portfolio holder for Corporate Resources and Performance and Leader of the Council determined on 29 December 2025 (D1702), the following amounts for the year 2026/27 in accordance with regulations made under section 31(B) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

 

(a) 39,974.31 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as its council tax base for the year. (The Council Tax base for the whole district)

 

(b)	Part of the Council’s Area	Tax Base
	Bestwood Village	744.66
	Burton Joyce	1,586.02
	Calverton	2,510.36
	Colwick	893.88
	Lambley	516.84
	Linby	406.61
	Newstead	375.35
	Papplewick	270.55
	Ravenshead	2,814.16
	St Albans	705.36
	Deer Park	253.14
	Stoke Bardolph	503.74
	Woodborough	940.91

 

being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in/ those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (The Council Tax base for each parish)

 

6.            That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2026/27 in accordance with sections 31A, 31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Act):

 

(a)          £50,568,400 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in section 31A(2) of the Act. (Effectively gross expenditure including parish precepts, and transfers to reserves)

(b)          £41,529,700 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in section 31A(3) of the Act. (Effectively gross income and transfers from reserves)

 

(c)          £9,038,700 being the amount by which the aggregate at 6(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 6(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax Requirement for the year. (Expenditure less income)

 

(d)          £226.11 being the amount at 6(c) above, divided by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year. (The overall average amount of Council Tax per Band D property, including parish precepts)

 

(e)          £1,031,083 being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in section 34(1) of the Act. (Total of parish precepts). For information, the amount in respect of each parish is as follows:

 

Part of the Council’s Area                     Parish Precept

Bestwood Village	30,000
Burton Joyce	263,581
Calverton	294,634
Colwick	31,600
Lambley	27,666
Linby	30,337
Newstead	23,039
Papplewick	25,194
Ravenshead	177,305
St Albans	25,572
Deer Park	8,616
Stoke Bardolph	3,500
Woodborough	90,039

 

(f)           £200.32 being the amount at 6(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 6(e) above by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. (Gedling’s own element of the Council Tax for a Band D dwelling).

 

(g)
	Part of the Council’s Area	£
	Bestwood Village	240.61
	Burton Joyce	366.51
	Calverton	317.69
	Colwick	235.67
	Lambley	253.85
	Linby	274.93
	Newstead	261.70
	Papplewick	293.44
	Ravenshead	263.32
	St Albans	236.57
	Deer Park	234.36
	Stoke Bardolph	207.27
	Woodborough	296.01

 

being the amounts given by adding the amount at 6(f) above to the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above, divided in each case by the amount at 5(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (The combined district and parish amount of Council Tax for a Band D dwelling)

(h)

 

Part of the Council's Area				Valuation Bands
	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
Bestwood Village	160.41	187.14	213.87	240.61	294.08	347.55	401.02	481.22
Burton Joyce	244.34	285.06	325.78	366.51	447.96	529.40	610.85	733.02
Calverton	211.80	247.09	282.39	317.69	388.29	458.88	529.49	635.38
Colwick	157.12	183.29	209.48	235.67	288.05	340.41	392.79	471.34
Lambley	169.24	197.43	225.64	253.85	310.27	366.67	423.09	507.70
Linby	183.29	213.83	244.38	274.93	336.03	397.12	458.22	549.86
Newstead	174.47	203.54	232.62	261.70	319.86	378.01	436.17	523.40
Papplewick	195.63	228.23	260.83	293.44	358.65	423.86	489.07	586.88
Ravenshead	175.55	204.80	234.06	263.32	321.84	380.35	438.87	526.64
St Albans	157.72	183.99	210.28	236.57	289.15	341.71	394.29	473.14
Deer Park	156.24	182.28	208.32	234.36	286.44	338.52	390.60	468.72
Stoke Bardolph	138.18	161.21	184.24	207.27	253.33	299.39	345.45	414.54
Woodborough	197.34	230.23	263.12	296.01	361.79	427.57	493.35	592.02
All other parts of the Borough	133.55	155.80	178.06	200.32	244.84	289.35	333.87	400.64

 

 

being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at 6(f) and 6(g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands. (The combined district and parish amount of Council Tax for each band of dwelling).

 

7.            That it be noted that for the year 2026/27, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Office of the Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner and the Combined Fire & Rescue Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Precepting Authority:	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
Notts County Council	1,313.42	1,532.32	1,751.23	1,970.13	2,407.94	2,845.74	3,283.55	3,940.26
Notts Police & Crime Commissioner	207.40	241.97	276.53	311.10	380.23	449.37	518.50	622.20
Combined Fire & Rescue Authority	68.14	79.50	90.85	102.21	124.92	147.64	170.35	204.42

 

 

8.   That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 6(h) and 7 above, the Council, in accordance with section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts of council tax for the year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: (The total amount of Council Tax for each band of dwelling)

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Adams and seconded by Councillor M Smith in the following terms:

 

That the Council has the following objections and proposals to the estimates submitted by Cabinet, and it requires the Cabinet to reconsider those estimates in the light of these objections and proposals, and report back to Council within five working days after the day of this meeting.

 

Revenue Budget Proposed Amendment

 

1. Deletion of two Portfolio Holders                                                                    (£18,600)

 

2. Removal of Deputy Mayor’s Special Responsibility Allowance                     (£2,100)

 

3. Removal of Policy Advisor                                                                              (£2,100)

 

4. Removal of Contacts Magazine to online only publication                            (£36,600)

 

5. Reduction in salary costs by removing one Band 11 Manager Post             (£65,900)

 

6. Purchase of a New Road sweeper this would result in an increase in the revenue budget to cover the cost of borrowing and associated running costs.                                           £35,300

 

7. One additional driver for the above (Band 5)                                                 £42,800

 

8. New Post Rural Officer (Band 7)                                                                    £45,700

                                                                       

Net Impact saving                                                                                                     (£1,500)

 

 

Note:

The Local Government Act 2003 requires that the Council’s Chief Financial Officer, in the case of Gedling that is The Chief Finance and S151 Officer, provide advice to the Council on the adequacy of financial reserves, and the robustness of the estimates. These comments can be found below:

THE ROBUSTNESS OF THE ESTIMATES AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE GENERAL FUND BALANCES

 

The annual budget and the medium-term plan are based on a range of assumptions, detailed to Cabinet on 19 February, and these have enabled estimates of current and future spending to be modelled.  The Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) is based on best information available at this point in time, however there still remains uncertainty around future funding levels beyond the three year settlement, and the Council faces increased pressure from legislative changes which will need to be funded from existing resources, also significant increase in demand for services whilst dealing with capacity issues.  The Council has an established process for assessing the financial risk factors inherent in any business activity, and the financial risk register recognises the increasing risks to financial sustainability in the medium term arising from the increased costs and uncertain funding levels.

 

The Council has a strong track record of meeting demands within the approved budget, together with a good reputation for the robustness of its financial planning, which will continue, however, it is important to note the structural deficit that remains within the MTFP which will require the development of further plans for budget efficiencies/savings in the last two years of the MTFP, it may be expected that there will need to be some contraction of service delivery/performance if efficiency plans do not proceed in line with expectations.

 

The annual budget for 2026/27 and the subsequent years of the MTFP leave the Council with a level of balances broadly in line with the minimum required from 2029/30 onwards. Whilst existing management approaches should enable the Council to deliver the efficiency required in the medium to long term, further changes to the way that services are delivered will be required if the Council is to fully achieve its ambitions and achieve a sustainable financial position.

 

The Council will continue to implement the approved efficiency plans and to develop new budget reduction proposals in order to balance the MTFP which, if implemented, will mean that the financial outlook remains fair, and that the 2026/27 estimates, and beyond, are robust. Members are reminded that risk levels in the MTFP are increasing as a result of uncertainties in medium term funding and in the absence of funding increases, from 2029/30 additional budget reductions will be required and whilst some have been identified they are not currently backed by an agreed action plan.  Despite this, risks are currently still at acceptable levels as there is a sufficient lead in time for developing detailed plans in the coming year.

 

An assessment of reserves and balances has been carried out and I am satisfied that the financial position as presented is robust, and that reserves and balances are adequate in the short to medium term.  However, pressures on both capital and revenue budgets are substantial and the MTFP shows continued reliance on the use of General Fund balances to support expenditure levels, as reported to Cabinet on 19 February 2026.

 

The Council has in the past successfully managed such pressures, and therefore I consider that, given the information available at the time, the level of general reserves are adequate for the purpose of setting the 2026/27 Council Tax.

 

A proposed motion to briefly adjourn the meeting to allow members to consider the amendment put before them. The motion was supported, and the Mayor declared it carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:28pm.

 

The meeting resumed at 6:39pm.

 

Following debate, in accordance with standing orders the amendment was put to a named vote. The Mayor declared the amendment not carried.

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Whiting and seconded by Councillor Meads in the following terms:

 

That the Council has the following objections and proposals to the estimates submitted by Cabinet, and it requires the Cabinet to reconsider those estimates in the light of these objections and proposals, and report back to Council within five working days after the day of this meeting.

 

Revenue Budget Proposed Amendment

 

1.    Delete Independent Party Leaders Special ResponsibilityAllowance          (£360)

 

2.    Deletion of Two Portfolio Holders                                                                   (£18,600)

 

3.    Deletion of Policy Advisor                                                                               (£2,100)

 

4.    Remove printing & postage budget for Contacts Magazine

Change to online publication only                                                                  (£36,600)

 

5.    Increase members pots by £1,400 each                                                        £57,400

 

Net Impact Saving                                                                                                    £260                                                                                       

 

Note:

The Local Government Act 2003 requires that the Council’s Chief Financial Officer, in the case of Gedling that is The Chief Finance and S151 Officer, provide advice to the Council on the adequacy of financial reserves, and the robustness of the estimates.  These comments can be found below:

THE ROBUSTNESS OF THE ESTIMATES AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE GENERAL FUND BALANCES

 

The annual budget and the medium-term plan are based on a range of assumptions, detailed to Cabinet on 19 February, and these have enabled estimates of current and future spending to be modelled.  The Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) is based on best information available at this point in time, however there still remains uncertainty around future funding levels beyond the three year settlement, and the Council faces increased pressure from legislative changes which will need to be funded from existing resources, also significant increase in demand for services whilst dealing with capacity issues.  The Council has an established process for assessing the financial risk factors inherent in any business activity, and the financial risk register recognises the increasing risks to financial sustainability in the medium term arising from the increased costs and uncertain funding levels.

 

The Council has a strong track record of meeting demands within the approved budget, together with a good reputation for the robustness of its financial planning, which will continue, however, it is important to note the structural deficit that remains within the MTFP which will require the development of further plans for budget efficiencies/savings in the last two years of the MTFP, it may be expected that there will need to be some contraction of service delivery/performance if efficiency plans do not proceed in line with expectations.

The annual budget for 2026/27 and the subsequent years of the MTFP leave the Council with a level of balances broadly in line with the minimum required from 2029/30 onwards. Whilst existing management approaches should enable the Council to deliver the efficiency required in the medium to long term, further changes to the way that services are delivered will be required if the Council is to fully achieve its ambitions and achieve a sustainable financial position.

 

The Council will continue to implement the approved efficiency plans and to develop new budget reduction proposals in order to balance the MTFP which, if implemented, will mean that the financial outlook remains fair, and that the 2026/27 estimates, and beyond, are robust. Members are reminded that risk levels in the MTFP are increasing as a result of uncertainties in medium term funding and in the absence of funding increases, from 2029/30 additional budget reductions will be required and whilst some have been identified they are not currently backed by an agreed action plan.  Despite this, risks are currently still at acceptable levels as there is a sufficient lead in time for developing detailed plans in the coming year.

 

An assessment of reserves and balances has been carried out and I am satisfied that the financial position as presented is robust, and that reserves and balances are adequate in the short to medium term.  However, pressures on both capital and revenue budgets are substantial and the MTFP shows continued reliance on the use of General Fund balances to support expenditure levels, as reported to Cabinet on 19 February 2026.

 

The Council has in the past successfully managed such pressures, and therefore I consider that, given the information available at the time, the level of general reserves are adequate for the purpose of setting the 2026/27 Council Tax.

 

A proposed motion to briefly adjourn the meeting to allow members to consider the amendment put before them. The motion was supported, and the Mayor declared it carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7.28pm.

 

The meeting resumed at 7.38pm.

 

Following debate, in accordance with standing orders the amendment was put to a named vote. The Mayor declared the amendment not carried.

 

Members debated the original motion, the main budget vote.

 

Upon the Mayor putting the original proposition of the meeting, and in accordance with standing orders, the original proposition was put to a named vote. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.            In accordance with the recommendations of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the Prudential and Treasury Indicators and Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2026/27, which includes the Minimum Revenue Provision  Policy  Statement,  the  Borrowing  Strategy,  and  the  Annual Investment Strategy, set out at pages 5 to 35 of the Council agenda, be approved.

 

2.            In accordance with the recommendations of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the Capital Programme and Capital Investment Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 set out at pages 91 to 101 of the Council agenda, be approved.

 

3.            In accordance with the recommendation of Cabinet on 19 February 2026, that the financial threshold above which decisions will be regarded as Key Decisions be set at £0.5 million for 2026/27, and that the detailed budget for 2026/27 included at pages 131 to 152 of the Council agenda be approved.

 

4.            That the sum of £180,100 be contributed to General Fund Balances in 2026/27 to support future General Fund revenue expenditure.

 

5.            That it be noted that the Portfolio holder for Corporate Resources and Performance and Leader of the Council determined on 29 December 2025 (D1702), the following amounts for the year 2026/27 in accordance with regulations made under section 31(B) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

 

(a) 39,974.31 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as its council tax base for the year. (The Council Tax base for the whole district)

 

(b)	Part of the Council’s Area	Tax Base
	Bestwood Village	744.66
	Burton Joyce	1,586.02
	Calverton	2,510.36
	Colwick	893.88
	Lambley	516.84
	Linby	406.61
	Newstead	375.35
	Papplewick	270.55
	Ravenshead	2,814.16
	St Albans	705.36
	Deer Park	253.14
	Stoke Bardolph	503.74
	Woodborough	940.91

 

being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in/ those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (The Council Tax base for each parish)

 

6.            That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2026/27 in accordance with sections 31A, 31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (the Act):

 

(a)          £50,568,400 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in section 31A(2) of the Act. (Effectively gross expenditure including parish precepts, and transfers to reserves)

(b)          £41,529,700 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in section 31A(3) of the Act. (Effectively gross income and transfers from reserves)

 

(c)          £9,038,700 being the amount by which the aggregate at 6(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 6(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax Requirement for the year. (Expenditure less income)

 

(d)          £226.11 being the amount at 6(c) above, divided by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year. (The overall average amount of Council Tax per Band D property, including parish precepts)

 

(e)          £1,031,083 being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in section 34(1) of the Act. (Total of parish precepts). For information, the amount in respect of each parish is as follows:

 

Part of the Council’s Area                     Parish Precept

Bestwood Village	30,000
Burton Joyce	263,581
Calverton	294,634
Colwick	31,600
Lambley	27,666
Linby	30,337
Newstead	23,039
Papplewick	25,194
Ravenshead	177,305
St Albans	25,572
Deer Park	8,616
Stoke Bardolph	3,500
Woodborough	90,039

 

(f)           £200.32 being the amount at 6(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 6(e) above by the amount at 5(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. (Gedling’s own element of the Council Tax for a Band D dwelling).

 

(g)
	Part of the Council’s Area	£
	Bestwood Village	240.61
	Burton Joyce	366.51
	Calverton	317.69
	Colwick	235.67
	Lambley	253.85
	Linby	274.93
	Newstead	261.70
	Papplewick	293.44
	Ravenshead	263.32
	St Albans	236.57
	Deer Park	234.36
	Stoke Bardolph	207.27
	Woodborough	296.01

 

being the amounts given by adding the amount at 6(f) above to the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above, divided in each case by the amount at 5(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (The combined district and parish amount of Council Tax for a Band D dwelling)

(h)

 

Part of the Council's Area				Valuation Bands
	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
Bestwood Village	160.41	187.14	213.87	240.61	294.08	347.55	401.02	481.22
Burton Joyce	244.34	285.06	325.78	366.51	447.96	529.40	610.85	733.02
Calverton	211.80	247.09	282.39	317.69	388.29	458.88	529.49	635.38
Colwick	157.12	183.29	209.48	235.67	288.05	340.41	392.79	471.34
Lambley	169.24	197.43	225.64	253.85	310.27	366.67	423.09	507.70
Linby	183.29	213.83	244.38	274.93	336.03	397.12	458.22	549.86
Newstead	174.47	203.54	232.62	261.70	319.86	378.01	436.17	523.40
Papplewick	195.63	228.23	260.83	293.44	358.65	423.86	489.07	586.88
Ravenshead	175.55	204.80	234.06	263.32	321.84	380.35	438.87	526.64
St Albans	157.72	183.99	210.28	236.57	289.15	341.71	394.29	473.14
Deer Park	156.24	182.28	208.32	234.36	286.44	338.52	390.60	468.72
Stoke Bardolph	138.18	161.21	184.24	207.27	253.33	299.39	345.45	414.54
Woodborough	197.34	230.23	263.12	296.01	361.79	427.57	493.35	592.02
All other parts of the Borough	133.55	155.80	178.06	200.32	244.84	289.35	333.87	400.64

 

being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at 6(f) and 6(g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands. (The combined district and parish amount of Council Tax for each band of dwelling).

 

7.            That it be noted that for the year 2026/27, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Office of the Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner and the Combined Fire & Rescue Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Precepting Authority:	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
Notts County Council	1,313.42	1,532.32	1,751.23	1,970.13	2,407.94	2,845.74	3,283.55	3,940.26
Notts Police & Crime Commissioner	207.40	241.97	276.53	311.10	380.23	449.37	518.50	622.20
Combined Fire & Rescue Authority	68.14	79.50	90.85	102.21	124.92	147.64	170.35	204.42

 

 

8.   That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 6(h) and 7 above, the Council, in accordance with section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts of council tax for the year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: (The total amount of Council Tax for each band of dwelling)