That the following recommendations be approved for onward referral to Full Council on 28th February 2024:

1.       That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund and Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2024/25 – 2028/29 (Appendices 1, 1a and 1b) be approved.

2.       That the Council Tax for a band D property in 2024/25 be set at £166.59 (a £4.95 per annum increase on 2023/24 levels) and be approved.

3.       That the additions to and use of reserves (as detailed at Appendix 1) be approved.

4.       The Medium Term Financial Strategy (at Appendix 1) be approved.

5.       That the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1 and 2) be approved including the addition of £400,000 into the capital programme funded by the Corporate Priorities reserve for the Sutton on Sea Paddling Pool.

6.       That the Treasury Management Policy 2024/25 (Appendix 3a) and Treasury Management Strategy, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy 2024/25 (Appendix 3b) be approved.

7.       That the proposed Fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4 be approved.

8.       That the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 (Appendix 5) be approved.

9.       That the results of the Budget Consultation process at Appendix 6 be noted.

10.     That the alignment of constitutional financial limits across the partnership (Appendix 7) be approved.

11.     That Council be recommended to reaffirm its previous decision in respect of long term empty properties determined in Appendix 1, and determine the introduction of the premium for substantially furnished with no residents (second homes), to be introduced at the earliest point 1st April 2025.