Agenda item

To receive a Budget Statement from the Leader of the Council, to consider the following reports of the Section 151 Officer (copies enclosed) and to determine the level of Council Tax.

Members’ attention is drawn to the following Procedure Rules:

·                Voting – Procedure Rule 13(5) set outs the requirement for any vote taken at a budget decision meeting (as defined by the Local Government Finance Act 1992) to be recorded in the Minutes.

·                Budget Speech – Procedure Rule 1(13)(a) sets out the time limits in relation to the budget speech and (b) details the requirements for making alternative proposal or amendment as part of the Budget and Council Tax setting.

The Council considered the reports of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer), on the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 23 January 2025 relating to the revenue budget and the proposed level of Council for 2025 / 26.

The Leader of the Council made a budget speech (attached at APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes), during which he thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer and his team for their hard work. He advised Members that the proposed budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) provided a financial framework and strategic plan for the Council to deliver the priorities in its corporate plan. The Leader believed that the Council had the financial resources, workforce, leadership and determination to achieve the goals and looked forward to Members supporting the budget and MTFS presented.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(13)a, each of the Opposition Leaders responded to the budget speech.

Councillor J C Stilts, Leader of the District Support Group (DSG), thanked Officers for the work that went into presenting the budget and noted that it was a cross-party budget which supported the corporate plan and strategic priorities of the Council. She highlighted the importance of ensuring Maldon was a good place for the future and continuing to support businesses, tourism and residents. She advised that the DSG supported the recommendation, specifically not to introduce car parking fees in Burnham-on-Crouch, the proposed desilting of the Hythe Quay and reintroduction of green food waste sacks. Councillor Stilts informed the Council that the DSG was committed to working in partnership with other Groups and ensuring collaboration with the Police and other organisations to keep services local for residents.

Councillor J Driver, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group (LDG), thanked the Leader for his speech and he noted the number of significant achievements made by the Council along with the changes made since the last election in 2023. He referred to the collaborative working of the LDG with the other political groups and thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer along with the Finance Working Group for all the work which resulted in a finance plan that reflected strategic priorities and community needs. Councillor Driver referred to the continuing aim to deliver and improve services for residents and commented on the reintroduction of green bags for food recycling in response to residents’ concerns and the investment in community facilities such as play areas and skate parks. The Council needed to ensure it built a stronger voice in support of health, education, transport and affordable housing needs of the District. He commented how the Governments new planning policy placed greater pressure on the Council’s planning department and the ongoing need to ensure the department was resourced and organised to meet these challenges. The Local Government Reform and Devolution presented significant challenges for the Council and Councillor Driver commented on the need for the Council to be strategically positioned to navigate them effectively. Overall, the LDG supported the budget which demonstrated strong financial planning and strategic investment, but Councillor Driver advised it was essential to remain vigilant in addressing the challenges ahead to secure a stable and sustainable future for the Maldon District.

Councillor S J Morgan, Leader of the Conservative Group, thanked the Leader for his speech and commented that the Council had been put together by all parties. He thanked the Finance Working Group (FWG) for the way it had carried out its tasks in relation to the budget and praised Officers, along with the Chief Executive who had assisted the FWG through their discussions arrive at the budget – the Council could be proud of what it had achieved. Councillor Morgan commended the budget to the chamber, commenting on the importance of the residents and the Council doing its best for its residents.

The Chairperson drew Members’ attention to Agenda Item 12d Council Tax 2025 / 26 and revised Appendix A which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

The Chairperson proposed that the Council take the recommendations set out in reports 12a and 12c en-bloc. Upon a vote being taken these were agreed by assent.