RESOLVED:

3.1. To approve the recommended budget strategy for 2024/25, with council-wide target levels of spending reduction for pay and non-pay, noting that the identified targets are a minimum requirement, and that consideration must be given to exceeding these wherever possible.

3.2. To note the focus on improved efficiency in all areas to minimise the resident impacts; and to use sources of customer contact information to identify if and when residents are adversely impacted and what can be done to minimise this.

3.3. To note the outlook to 28/29 for revenue budgets and agree the measures proposed to manage within available revenue resources.

3.4. To note the reserves position to 25/26 and approve an approach prioritising corporate management of all reserves including replenish general reserves whenever possible, with a target minimum level of £20m.

3.5. To agree the proposed format set out in the appendix to this report for the budget consultation with residents and instructs Officers to proceed with the consultation.

3.6. To note the benchmarking information provided.