To agree the contents of the report in order to start the budget consultation process as follows;
· A proposed 1.99% increase in council tax in 2023/24 with no proposed cuts to services;
· A forecast balanced budget for 2023/24, based on a 1.99% increase in council tax as noted above;
· A forecast budget shortfall for 2024/25 which will continue into 2025/26, to be addressed through the development and delivery of the council’s Transformation Strategy and savings programme;
· To note the proposals in the report for investment in the Labour Administration’s priority areas.