(i)            SECTION 151 OFFICER ASSESSMENT UNDER S25 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2003 OF THE COUNCIL'S FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That Council have regard to Executive Document “AX” in setting the budget, and in particular note the conclusions that provided that:

 

·         the current and planned actions are successfully concluded ie that the emerging financial strategy is agreed and implemented in full;

 

·         the Government supports the Council with a “minded to” Capitalisation Direction and will agree to do so in future years;

 

·         the recommendations in this and the other budget reports are agreed and actioned in full;

 

·         reserves continue to be built up as required;

 

·         risks are properly and promptly managed;

 

·         financial management issues are successfully addressed;

 

then the overall estimates are sufficiently robust for the Council to set a balanced budget for 2025/26.

 

(2)       Council agreed:

 

·         that the level of general reserves be increased;

 

·         that there is accordingly no planned use of reserves to support the 2025/26 budget;

 

·         to implementation in full of the financial strategy ie that the Council:

 

·       identifies an estimated £50m of revenue savings for 2026/27 to 2029/30;

·       identifies £150m of assets to be sold to generate capital receipts, and investigates the potential for more;

·       undertakes a further review of the capital programme;

·       operates expenditure control panels as set out in the report until at least 2026/27;

·       continues with its review of financial management and finances of the Council;

·       invests in core functions necessary and subject to business

      cases;

 

·         any non-delivery of any planned revenue savings will need to be absorbed within cash limited Departmental budgets.

(3)       That Council noted:

 

·         the assessment of the current financial position of the Council;

 

·         that this assessment is the result of emerging and recent work.  The situation will change and the estimated financial position and solutions will require continual development and refinement and will likewise vary as the year progresses;

 

·         the s151 officer is not minded to issue a s114 notice at this point working on the basis that the above assumptions will be supported and seen through on time and in full;

 

·         given the extremely challenging financial situation the Council finds itself in, which it has in recent months started to address, if the recommendations are not agreed, or if the assumptions are not delivered as assumed then very serious consideration will be given to the issuing of a s114 notice;

 

·         as with all budgets there is the potential for amendments to be proposed/agreed which could change the overall package of proposals. In that respect, it should be highlighted that this statement would have to be amended if a decision was proposed that leads to the Council’s budget not being in balance.  In addition, any other amendments would be considered against the scale of the overall budget and depending upon the extent and nature, may result in a revised statement.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                                

 

                                                               (Steven Mair – 07786 525809)

 

 

(ii)          MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY (MTFS) 2025/26 TO 2029/30

 

Resolved –

 

That Council: 

 

(1)      Approved the updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30 and the base case deficit and recovery period; 

 

(2)      Agreed that revenue savings of £50m per annum be actioned

           each year from 2026/27 to 2029/30; 

 

(3)      Agreed that a target for capital receipts of £150m by 31/3/28 be set; 

 

(4)      Agreed that the capital programme be subject to continuous reviews and reductions where costs are funded from general fund borrowing; 

 

(5)      Agreed the continuous review of the financial management practices currently being undertaken; 

 

(6)      Noted the progress on the finance restructure and support the approach to this; 

 

(7)      Agreed the continued spending panel and related processes

until such time as the Council can evidence a sustainable

financial position; 

 

(8)       Noted the current work on the DSG, the likely Council forecast

           for this and agree that further work be undertaken; 

 

(9)       Noted the previously reported Improvement Plan.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                                              

                                                                      (Steven Mair – 07786 525809)

 

 

(iii)       CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN 2025-26 TO 2029-30

 

Resolved –

 

That Council: 

 

(1)       Approved the Capital Strategy (including Prudential Indicators) as set out at Section A to Executive Document “AZ”.

 

(2)       Approved the capital expenditure for the General Fund and HRA as set out in Appendix D to Executive Document “AZ” for 2025-26 to 2029-30 subject to:

 

§        all future schemes being included in the Council approved Capital Programme;

§        all new schemes, including third party funded, only commencing with a full business case approved via PAG, CMT and the Executive and subject to being in the Capital Programme;

§        authority being given to the Director of Finance to allow specific exceptions to the approval process when in his opinion it is in the Council's interest. The Director of Finance will keep a record of these exceptions and report to Executive;

§        a further review of the capital programme and a report back to Executive; and

§        an update on the capital receipts potential (to include an update on the asset disposal strategy including accommodation and related assets strategy).

 

(3)       Approved the inclusion of the new capital requirements for 2025-26

            onwards as detailed in Appendix D to Executive Document “AZ” for inclusion in the programme and subject to the same as above.

 

(4)      Approved that all projects follow the approved business case              governance process as set out in section A5 of Executive                     Document “AZ”. Commitments against reserve schemes and    contingencies can only be made after a business case has

           Been assessed by Project Appraisal Group, CMT and approved

           by Executive.

 

(5)      That specific approval be given for the following schemes

           previously approved by Executive to commence following a

           detailed review by Project Appraisal Group:

 

§        The 2025-26 Property Programme has a proposed total cost of £2m and this will be funded by £2m allocated in Reserve Schemes.

§        Stockbridge Depot Retaining Wall - £0.16m for structural repairs to a  section of a retaining wall. This scheme is funded from the general contingency budget.

§        Supeconnected Cities – £0.22m for two projects to implement public Wi-Fi along the Keighley Worth Valley Railway in the Worth Valley to address poor mobile coverage and additional Wi-Fi in the City Centre to support City of Culture events. These schemes are funded by grant from WYCA and are linked to scheme CS0266 already in the CIP.

 

(6)       Approved that no financing sources, unless stipulated in           regulations or necessary agreements, are ring fenced.

 

(7)       Approved the proposed financing of the capital programme and          revenue implications as set out in Executive Document “AZ”.

 

(8)       Delegated to the Director of Finance the decisions surrounding           financing of the capital programme to provide sufficient flexibility

           to allow for the most effective use of the Council’s resources.

 

(9)       Reasons for Decision

           

            The objectives of the CIP are to:

·         Prioritise and co-ordinate funding to achieve the Council’s Plan;

·         Ensure that capital resources are directed to maintain the Council’s statutory requirements across its asset base;

·         Invest in the most beneficial projects to meet Bradford’s long-term requirements; and

·         Manage investment effectively and efficiently.

 

The Council is required, under the CIPFA Prudential Code, to agree a capital strategy that is prudent and sustainable. The revenue budget is set as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), and this supports the financing of the capital programme set out in this report.

 

Capital expenditure is defined as expenditure that is predominantly incurred on buying, constructing or improving physical assets such as land, buildings, infrastructure and equipment.

 

The Council is required to set a balanced revenue budget, and the capital programme forms part of this overall process.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                      

                                                                  (Lynsey Simenton – 07582 102779)

 

 

(iv)       TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT 2025-26

 

Resolved –

 

That Council: 

 

(1)       Approved the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 including:

·         the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2025/26 (Set out in Appendix 1 to Executive Document “BA”)

·         the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26 (Set out in Appendix 2 to Executive Document “BA”);

 

(2)        Approved the Prudential Indicators set out in the Treasury Management Strategy, which demonstrate that the Council’s short term    capital investment plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable (the     Prudential Indicators are summarised in Section  4). In the medium term work is required as reported in the S25 report; and

(3)       That any future loans to third parties to be charged at a minimum        interest rate to cover all the Council’s capital financing costs in       providing the loan, namely MRP and interest plus 1% for risk               (paragraph   89 of the TMS).

          Reason:

        To promote effective financial management relating to the Authority’s borrowing and investment powers contained in the Local Government      Act 2003, associated regulations and guidance including:

·         the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting)(England) Regulations 2003, as amended;

·         CIPFA Prudential Code and Treasury Management Code of Practice (2021 editions); and

·         MHCLG Statutory Guidance on Local Government Investments (2018) and Statutory Guidance on Minimum Revenue Provision (2024).

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                                    

                                                                  (Lynsey Simenton – 07582 102779)

 

 

(v)          THE COUNCIL'S REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 2025/26 (GENERAL FUND)

 

Resolved –

 

(1)         That the Base Revenue Estimated Budget of £591.627m for

2025/26 be approved as set out in Appendix A to Executive Document “BB”.

 

     (2)     Noted the confirmation included in Appendix K to Executive                 Document “BB” of the in-principal capitalisation support for 2025/26 of      £127.104m by the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution.

 

(3)       That within the Base Revenue Estimated Budget of £591.627m

           for 2025/26, the Directorate Net Expenditure Budgets be approved

           as set out in Appendix B to Executive Document “BB”.

 

(4)      That amounts for Growths and Pressures of £66.506m in 2025/26

           as set out in Appendix D to Executive Document “BB” be

           approved.

 

(5)       That amounts for Inflationary Uplifts to Directorate Net

           ExpenditureBudgets of £40.601m in 2025/26 as set out in

           Appendix E to ExecutiveDocument “BB” be approved.

 

(6)       That amounts for Historic Structure Issues relating

           Directorate Net Expenditure Budgets of £12.502m for 2025/26 as

           set out in Appendix F to Executive Document “BB” be approved.

 

(7)       That new savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £11.905m

           that have been subject to the Council’s Budget Consultation and        Engagement process as set out in Appendix G to Executive

           Document “BB” be approved.

 

(8)       That savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £11.002m as set out

           in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” that were approved in

           March 2024 Full Council are to be noted.

 

(9)      That the savings proposal for 2025/26 of £2.600m following a

           review of the Council’s Capital Programme as set out in Appendix

           G to Executive Document “BB” be approved.

 

(10)     That the two savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £0.500m

           as set out in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” which

           are subject to separate consultation be approved.

 

(11)     That savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £16.800m as set out

           in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” to be delivered

           by Bradford Children & Families Trust be noted.

 

(12)     That the comments of the Director of Finance set out in

Executive Document “AX" (Section 151 officer’s assessment of the proposed budgets on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of  reserves) taking account of the recommendations made at above be        noted.

 

(13)    That the consultation response outlined in Appendix I to Executive Document “BB” be noted.

 

 

DELEGATION TO OFFICERS

 

(14)     That the Chief Executive Officer be granted delegated authority

            to approve requests for time-limited investment based on

            the recommendation of the s151 Officer as supported by a

            business case.

 

(15)    That the Chief Executive Officer be granted delegated authority to

            approve requests to allocate items of growth held centrally to  directorates based on the recommendation of the s151 Officer as supported by a business case for the following items:

 

a.    estimated new burdens associated with the Extender Producer Responsibility: £5.928m.

b.    estimated new burdens associated with Children’s Social Care Prevention: £4.463m.

c.    estimated contract pressures associated with Homelessness Temporary Accommodation: £2m.

 

(16)    That for the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to any

           of the powers contained in Article 14 of Part 2 of the Council's             Constitution on the Function of Officers: The s151 Officer shall

           have   delegated authority to act on behalf of the Council on

           matters relating toCouncil Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and

           Accounts Receivable Debtors   including (without prejudice to the

           generality of the delegation) entry into any business rate pools,

           pilots, assessments, determinations, recovery, enforcement and,

           in accordance with the statutory scheme, full delegated powers to

           act on behalf of the Council with regard to all aspects of the

           granting of Discretionary and Hardship Rate Relief to       qualifying ratepayers.

 

 

HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT

 

(17)     Noted that a separate report will be presented on this

           agenda (Executive Document “BC”) to approve the

           recommendations to Council on the Housing Revenue Account

           budget and Business Plan for 2025/26.

 

 

PAYMENT DATES FOR COUNCIL TAX AND NATIONAL NON-DOMESTIC RATES

 

(18)    That the first instalment date for payment of National Non-                     Domestic Rates and Council Tax shall be specified by the s151

           Officer.

 

PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX 2025/26

 

(19)     That it be noted that the projected Council Tax base and                         expenditure forecasts outlined in Executive Document

           “BB” together with the 2025/26 resources and the budget

            variations approved in the recommendations above produce a

            proposed Band D Council Tax of £1,871.88 for 2024/25. This is a

            £170.02 (9.99%) increase from 2024/25 in line with the bespoke

            referendum limit approved for the Council by the Minister for

            Local Government and English Devolution.

 

COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION 2025/26

 

(20)     It should be noted that on 7 January 2025, the Council calculated

           the Council Tax Base for2025/26. For the whole Council area as

           147,730 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local

           Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”]; and

 

(21)     That the only special items for 2025/26 under Section 35 of the

           Local Government Finance Act 1992 are local parish and town

           Council precepts and no expenses are to be treated as special

           expenses under Section 35(1) (b) of that Act.

 

(22)     That the Council Tax Requirement, excluding parish and town

           Council precepts, be calculated asfollows:

 

2025/26 Council Tax Resolution
Gross Expenditure	£1,588,069,800
Income	£1,307,621,500
Council Tax Requirement (inclusive of Parish & Town Precepts)	£280,448,300
Council Tax Base	147,730
Basic Amount of Council Tax	£1,898.38
Adjustment in Respect of Parish and Town Council Precepts	£26.50
Basic Amount Excluding Parish and Town Councils	£1,871.88

 

(23)     That the precepts of Parish and Town Councils are noted and

           the resulting Basic Council Tax amounts for particular areas of

           the Council be calculated as follows:

 

Parish or Town Council Area

Local Precept (£)

Council Tax Base

Parish or Town Council Tax (£)

Whole Area Council Tax (£)

Basic Council Tax Amount (£)

Addingham	116,700	1,787	65.3	1,871.88	1,937.18
Baildon	340,208	6,382	53.31	1,871.88	1,925.19
Bingley	245,705	8,789	27.96	1,871.88	1,899.84
Burley	302,290	3,182	95	1,871.88	1,966.88
Clayton	85,142	2,596	32.8	1,871.88	1,904.68
Cross Roads	48,657	1,019	47.75	1,871.88	1,919.63
Cullingworth	46,540	1,371	33.95	1,871.88	1,905.83
Denholme	55,440	1,232	45	1,871.88	1,916.88
Harden	63,225	849	74.47	1,871.88	1,946.35
Haworth with Stanbury	66,577	1,429	46.59	1,871.88	1,918.47
Ilkley	417,101	7,321	56.97	1,871.88	1,928.85
Keighley	1,279,090	15,461	82.73	1,871.88	1,954.61
Menston	146,102	2,519	58	1,871.88	1,929.88
Oxenhope	81,000	1,080	75	1,871.88	1,946.88
Sandy Lane	23,790	877	27.13	1,871.88	1,899.01
Shipley	221,260	4,784	46.25	1,871.88	1,918.13
Silsden	121,250	3,376	35.92	1,871.88	1,907.80
Steeton with Eastburn	99,475	1,806	55.08	1,871.88	1,926.96
Wilsden	118,000	1,787	66.03	1,871.88	1,937.91
Wrose	37,723	2,219	17.00	1,871.88	1,888.88
Total of all local precepts	3,915,275	69,866

 

 

(24)     Thatthe CouncilTax amountsfor dwellingsin different

           valuation bandsin respect ofthe Council’sbudget requirement,

           takinginto account Parish and Town Councils Precepts applicable

           to only part of the Council’s area, be calculated asfollows:

 

Band A (£)

Band B (£)

Band C (£)

Band D (£)

Band E (£)

Band F (£)

Band G (£)

Band H (£)

All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,247.91	1,455.90	1,663.88	1,871.88	2,287.85	2,703.82	3,119.79	3,743.75
The Parish and Town Council Areas Of:
Addingham	1,291.45	1,506.70	1,721.94	1,937.18	2,367.66	2,798.15	3,228.63	3,874.36
Baildon	1,283.46	1,497.37	1,711.28	1,925.19	2,353.01	2,780.83	3,208.65	3,850.38
Bingley	1,266.56	1,477.65	1,688.75	1,899.84	2,322.03	2,744.21	3,166.40	3,799.68
Burley	1,311.25	1,529.80	1,748.34	1,966.88	2,403.96	2,841.05	3,278.13	3,933.76
Clayton	1,269.79	1,481.42	1,693.05	1,904.68	2,327.94	2,751.20	3,174.47	3,809.36
Crossroads	1,279.75	1,493.05	1,706.34	1,919.63	2,346.21	2,772.80	3,199.38	3,839.26
Cullingworth	1,270.55	1,482.31	1,694.07	1,905.83	2,329.35	2,752.87	3,176.38	3,811.66
Denholme	1,277.92	1,490.91	1,703.89	1,916.88	2,342.85	2,768.83	3,194.80	3,833.76
Harden	1,297.57	1,513.83	1,730.09	1,946.35	2,378.87	2,811.39	3,243.92	3,892.70
Haworth with Stanbury	1,278.98	1,492.14	1,705.31	1,918.47	2,344.80	2,771.12	3,197.45	3,836.94
Ilkley	1,285.90	1,500.22	1,714.53	1,928.85	2,357.48	2,786.12	3,214.75	3,857.70
Keighley	1,303.07	1,520.25	1,737.43	1,954.61	2,388.97	2,823.33	3,257.68	3,909.22
Menston	1,286.59	1,501.02	1,715.45	1,929.88	2,358.74	2,787.60	3,216.47	3,859.76
Oxenhope	1,297.92	1,514.24	1,730.56	1,946.88	2,379.52	2,812.16	3,244.80	3,893.76
Sandy Lane	1,266.01	1,477.01	1,688.01	1,899.01	2,321.01	2,743.01	3,165.02	3,798.02
Shipley	1,278.75	1,491.88	1,705.00	1,918.13	2,344.38	2,770.63	3,196.88	3,836.26
Silsden	1,271.87	1,483.84	1,695.82	1,907.80	2,331.76	2,755.71	3,179.67	3,815.60
Steeton with Eastburn	1,284.64	1,498.75	1,712.85	1,926.96	2,355.17	2,783.39	3,211.60	3,853.92
Wilsden	1,291.94	1,507.26	1,722.59	1,937.91	2,368.56	2,799.20	3,229.85	3,875.82
Wrose	1,259.25	1,469.13	1,679.00	1,888.88	2,308.63	2,728.38	3,148.13	3,777.76

 

 

(25)     That it be noted that for the year 2025/26 the Police and Crime Commissioner and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority

           (WYFRA) have notified their precepts tobe:

 

2025/26 Precept (£)	Band A (£)	Band B (£)	Band C (£)	Band D (£)	Band E (£)	Band F (£)	Band G (£)	Band H (£)
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority
12,481,708	56.33	65.71	75.10	84.49	103.27	122.04	140.82	168.98
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire
38,894,074	175.52	204.77	234.02	263.28	321.78	380.29	438.8	526.56

 

 

(26)     That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts

           at (e) and (f) above, the Council sets the following amounts of

           council tax for 2025/26 in each of the categories of dwellings

           shownbelow:

 

	Band A (£)	Band B (£)	Band C (£)	Band D (£)	Band E (£)	Band F (£)	Band G (£)	Band H (£)
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,479.76	1,726.38	1,973.00	2,219.65	2,712.90	3,206.15	3,699.41	4,439.29
The Parish and Town Council Areas Of:
Addingham	1,523.30	1,777.18	2,031.06	2,284.95	2,792.71	3,300.48	3,808.25	4,569.90
Baildon	1,515.31	1,767.85	2,020.40	2,272.96	2,778.06	3,283.16	3,788.27	4,545.92
Bingley	1,498.41	1,748.13	1,997.87	2,247.61	2,747.08	3,246.54	3,746.02	4,495.22
Burley	1,543.10	1,800.28	2,057.46	2,314.65	2,829.01	3,343.38	3,857.75	4,629.30
Clayton	1,501.64	1,751.90	2,002.17	2,252.45	2,752.99	3,253.53	3,754.09	4,504.90
Crossroads	1,511.60	1,763.53	2,015.46	2,267.40	2,771.26	3,275.13	3,779.00	4,534.80
Cullingworth	1,502.40	1,752.79	2,003.19	2,253.60	2,754.40	3,255.20	3,756.00	4,507.20
Denholme	1,509.77	1,761.39	2,013.01	2,264.65	2,767.90	3,271.16	3,774.42	4,529.30
Harden	1,529.42	1,784.31	2,039.21	2,294.12	2,803.92	3,313.72	3,823.54	4,588.24
Haworth with Stanbury	1,510.83	1,762.62	2,014.43	2,266.24	2,769.85	3,273.45	3,777.07	4,532.48
Ilkley	1,517.75	1,770.70	2,023.65	2,276.62	2,782.53	3,288.45	3,794.37	4,553.24
Keighley	1,534.92	1,790.73	2,046.55	2,302.38	2,814.02	3,325.66	3,837.30	4,604.76
Menston	1,518.44	1,771.50	2,024.57	2,277.65	2,783.79	3,289.93	3,796.09	4,555.30
Oxenhope	1,529.77	1,784.72	2,039.68	2,294.65	2,804.57	3,314.49	3,824.42	4,589.30
Sandy Lane	1,497.86	1,747.49	1,997.13	2,246.78	2,746.06	3,245.34	3,744.64	4,493.56
Shipley	1,510.60	1,762.36	2,014.12	2,265.90	2,769.43	3,272.96	3,776.50	4,531.80
Silsden	1,503.72	1,754.32	2,004.94	2,255.57	2,756.81	3,258.04	3,759.29	4,511.14
Steeton with Eastburn	1,516.49	1,769.23	2,021.97	2,274.73	2,780.22	3,285.72	3,791.22	4,549.46
Wilsden	1,523.79	1,777.74	2,031.71	2,285.68	2,793.61	3,301.53	3,809.47	4,571.36
Wrose	1,491.10	1,739.61	1,988.12	2,236.65	2,733.68	3,230.71	3,727.75	4,473.30

 

 

(27)     That Council noted the movement in Band D equivalent charges

           for 2025/26 over 2024/25 as set out in the table below.

 

Council Tax Summary	2025/26 Band D Equivalent (£)	2024/25 Band D Equivalent (£)	Percentage Change
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council*	1,871.88	1,701.86	9.99%
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority	84.49	79.49	6.29%
West Yorkshire Police Authority	263.28	249.28	5.62%
Local (Parish & Town Council) Precepts:
Addingham	65.30	61.55	6.09%
Baildon	53.31	50.26	6.07%
Bingley	27.96	27.75	0.76%
Burley	95.00	91.94	3.33%
Clayton	32.80	28.63	14.57%
Crossroads	47.75	45.61	4.69%
Cullingworth	33.95	37.50	-9.47%
Denholme	45.00	49.96	-9.93%
Harden	74.47	64.92	14.71%
Haworth etc	46.59	46.56	0.06%
Ilkley	56.97	55.12	3.36%
Keighley	82.73	74.57	10.94%
Menston	58.00	56.00	3.57%
Oxenhope	75.00	52.72	42.26%
Sandy Lane	27.13	17.98	50.89%
Shipley	46.25	40.22	14.99%
Silsden	35.92	38.15	-5.85%
Steeton/ Eastburn	55.08	51.10	7.79%
Wilsden	66.03	63.49	4.00%
Wrose	17.00	16.49	3.09%

 

*For 2025/26, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council has been granted a bespoke referendum limit by the Minister of Local Government and English Devolution

 

COUNCIL TAX HARDSHIP

 

(28)     Approved and implement a £1.2m discretionary hardship scheme

           for 2025/26 for those of working age and in receipt of Council Tax

           Reduction and:

 

a)    Approved the CTR scheme from 2024/25 to be applied in 2025/26 pending prescribed amendments as required;

 

b)   Approved public consultation during 2025/26 to consider proposed amendments to the working age Council Tax Reduction scheme from 2026/27;

 

c)    Approved £0.500m per annum in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to augment welfare benefit and debt signposting and advice in the District.

 

(29)     That the Fees and Charges policy set out in Appendix J to

           Executive Document “BB”, be agreed.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                                  

                                                              (Steven Mair – 07786 525809)

 

 

 

(vi)        HRA 30-YEAR BUSINESS PLAN AND 2025/26 BUDGET 

 

Resolved –

 

That Council approved: 

 

(1)       The HRA revenue budget for 2025/26 (set out in Table 1 &                      Appendix A to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(2)       The HRA 5-year capital programme for a total of £3.975m (set out

            in Table 3 & Appendix C to Executive Document “BC”).

 

That Council noted:

 

(3)       The HRA 5-year revenue budgets for 2025-26 to 2029-30 (set out

           in Table 1 & Appendix A to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(4)       The HRA 30-year revenue budgets for 2025-26 to 2054-55 (set out

            in Appendix B to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(5)       The 30-year capital programme for 2025-26 to 2054-55 (set out

            in Appendix D to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(6)       The draft HRA reserves and balances for the 5-year business

           plan (set out in Appendix E to Executive Document “BC”).

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance / Strategic Director Place

 

                                                            (Ade Solanke – 07944 463762)

 

 

 

(vii)       ALLOCATION OF THE SCHOOLS' BUDGET 2025-26

 

Resolved –

 

That Council: 

 

(1)       Accepted and approved the proposals for the allocation of the

           2025/26 Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in Executive

           Document “BD”.

 

(2)       Approved the total amount of £825.337m to be appropriated in

           respect of     all schools covered by the Bradford Scheme for the

           Local Management of Schools, so as to establish the

           Individual Schools Budget for 2025/26.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance                      

 

                                                     (Andrew Redding 01274 432678)

 

 

The Strategic Director of Place submitted report (Document “O”) which provided an update on progress of the Smart Street Lighting project, specifically, the work completed in the Shipley constituency replacing old street lighting luminaires, life expired columns and the installation of the Central Management system and LoRaWAN network.

 

Resolved –

 

That the Shipley Area Committee:

 

(i)             Noted the progress reported in Document “N” and welcomed future updates.

(ii)           Endorsed the Smart Street Lighting project and the positive impact for Shipley constituency and its wards.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director of Place

 

The Strategic Director, Place presented report (Document “M”) which provided an update on the Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ) after 2 years of operation, including health impact assessment (HIA) and air quality monitoring data and wider Clean Air Plan Programme benefits.

 

The presenting officer provided a summary of the report, it was reported that CAZ imposed vehicle restrictions on all vehicle types, except passenger cars, according to emissions. The Bradford CAZ was the second largest road-user charging scheme in the UK at 24 kmsq.

 

Resolved –

 

(i)             That the Committee noted the report and welcomed the improvements in public health.

(ii)           That an updated report be provided in 12 months.

(iii)         That the Committee noted that school bus services contributed to air quality improvements. The Committee requested that the Executive provide the Area Committee with information about the scope for the Council to seek additional enforcement powers relating to anti idling measures in the district, including extra powers from central government.

 

The Strategic Director, Place submitted report (Document “N”) which provided information on the Capital Highway Maintenance funding element of the Local Transport Plan for 2025/26 and made recommendations on the allocation for non-classified road resurfacing schemes and Surface Dressing sites in the Shipley constituency.

 

Resolved –

 

That the Shipley Area Committee approved the proposed list of schemes for 2025/26 as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report (Document “N”).

 

 

The Strategic Director, Place submitted report (Document “L”) which provided an update on Street Cleansing and Parks Service in the Shipley Area and shows trends of the numbers of fly tipping and cleansing cases reported to the council.

 

The presenting officer provided a summary of the report, it was reported that Shipley had 6 ward-based cleansing teams. They worked in prescriptive routes across the wards on set days. High footfall gateways and litter hotspots were added to daily gateway route so that the worst affected areas would still be addressed more frequently.

 

Cleansing and parks teams continued to support days of action, working alongside local residents, housing associations, and wardens by collecting waste. Shipley enjoyed a Green Flag accreditation, Roberts Park had, for a number of years been recognised as a Green Flad Accredited Park, one of six across the district. Green Flag Award recognised and rewarded well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

 

Parks maintenance for Shipley had 14 staff members, there were 78 parks and recreational grounds including sports pitches. Two areas within the Shipley constituency were maintained via an asset transfer. The Parish Councils of Burley and Wilsden maintained land on behalf of the council.

 

Resolved –

 

(i)             That officers be thanked for the report.

(ii)           That the report be noted and a further update be provided in 12 months, to also include an update of Environmental Enforcement actions for the Shipley constituency with a breakdown of data for each ward.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director of Place

The Strategic Director, Place submitted report (Document “K”) which provided an update on work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Shipley constituency in 2024/25.

 

The presenting officer provided a summary of the report, it was reported that the Youth Service was managed within a localities model as part of Neighbourhood and Customer Services. From 1st April 2023 the Breaking the Cycle Youth Work Team became part of Bradford Children and Families Trust.

 

The Shipley Youth work team currently delivered three area-wide sessions per week. These projects were themed to suit young people’s needs, interests and increase the youth offer. For example, the SEND, peer-connect and young leader’s sessions. Young people were encouraged to attend from across the Shipley constituency.

 

The youth work team remained focused on developing partnerships that support early intervention and prevention. These partnerships helped young people to feel less isolated, more connected with their community and engaged in local youth provision.

 

The team had identified and targeted support at young people via outreach and detached youth work in Baildon, Shipley, Wrose and Windhill, Bingley, and Bingley Rural. In addition, the teamwork around the parks on a regular basis and in line with local needs. These sessions had allowed youth workers to build trust and engage young people in opportunities that reduce anti-social behaviour and risk-taking behaviour.

 

It was reported that the Youth Service had a strong working partnership with schools within the Shipley constituency, where over the last year students had been supported to improve their well-being, attendance, and participation in community-based support. During the summer, the youth workers had identified and supported a number of individuals to feel more confident about starting secondary school.

 

Resolved –

 

(i)             That Young People be thanked for their contribution to the meeting.

(ii)           That the work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Shipley constituency as detailed in report (Document “K) be welcomed.

(iii)         That the Committee requested the Area Coordinator and Advanced Practitioner for a further report on the work of the Youth Service in 12 months.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director of Place

 

Resolved –

 

That Councillor Kevin Warnes be appointed Chair of the Shipley Area Committee for the remainder of municipal year 2024/2025.

 

To be actioned by: Interim Director of Legal and Governance

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That Option 2 set out in Document “AV” be approved, there       will be no change in arrangements until at least September           2026 and eligible pupils and fare paying pupils will continue to       travel on these dedicated bus services. Parents and families will             have time to consider their school options and will be included in       the WYCA engagement around school bus provision across West   Yorkshire.

 

(2)      That Local Authority officers will continue to work closely with WYCA to ensure there is consistency and clarity of communication for all stakeholders moving forward.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Children’s Services

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Children's Services         

 

(Richard Crane/Michelle Pickles)

 

At its meeting held on Monday 3 March 2025, the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the suite of Budget Documents (Executive Documents AX – BD).  The minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, including the recommendations were circulated to the Executive.

 

Note: The Leader stated that Executive will have regard to the comments/recommendations from Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in considering Budget Documents AX-BD and in our recommendations to Budget Council.

 

Please click on the following link to access the minutes of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on Monday 3 March 2025.

Updates the financial model presented to Executive in January 2025, taking account of the final local government financial settlement and the delivery of the council’s improvement plan and MTFS.

 

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended that Council: 

 

(1)       Approve the updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26       to 2029/30 and the base case deficit and recovery period; 

 

(2)       Agree that revenue savings of £50m per annum be actioned each        year from 2026/27 to 2029/30; 

 

(3)       Agree that a target for capital receipts of £150m by 31/3/28 be set; 

 

(4)       Agree that the capital programme be subject to continuous       reviews and reductions where costs are funded from general fund    borrowing; 

 

(5)       Agree the continuous review of the financial management          practices currently being undertaken; 

 

(6)       Note the progress on the finance restructure and support the    approach to this; 

 

(7)       Agree the continued spending panel and related processes until          such time as the Council can evidence a sustainable financial           position; 

 

(8)       Note the current work on the DSG, the likely Council forecast for         this and agree that further work be undertaken; 

 

(9)       Note the previously reported Improvement Plan.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                       (Steven Mair)

 

 

The report provides Members with an overview of the forecast financial position of the Council for 2024-25.

Resolved –

 

Executive:

 

(1)       Noted that all Strategic Directors are required to reduce their    expenditure during the remainder of the financial year to                    significantly reduce the current forecast departmental                     overspend;

 

(2)       Noted the following has been approved under Section 1.7 of the           Financial Regulations:

 

(i)           £0.199m to complete additional works during a pre-agreed         period of closure in February 2025 at Keighley Leisure

            Centre. This will be funded by the General Contingency

            budget.

 

(3)      Reviewed and commented on the quarter 3 Finance Position                Statement.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                    (Andrew Cross)

 

This report will propose a budget for the HRA that reflects the use of resources for the next 30 years to reflect the Council’s priorities, plans and actions for delivering social housing.

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended that Council approves: 

 

(1)       The HRA revenue budget for 2025/26 (set out in Table 1 &           Appendix A to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(2)       The HRA 5-year capital programme for a total of £3.975m (set out        in Table 3 & Appendix C to Executive Document “BC”).

 

That Council notes:

 

(3)       The HRA 5-year revenue budgets for 2025-26 to 2029-30 (set out in      Table 1 & Appendix A to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(4)       The HRA 30-year revenue budgets for 2025-26 to 2054-55            (set out in Appendix B to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(5)       The 30-year capital programme for 2025-26 to 2054-55 ( set out in        Appendix D to Executive Document “BC”).

 

(6)       The draft HRA reserves and balances for the 5-year business plan       (set out in Appendix E to Executive Document “BC”).

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance / Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                     (Ade Solanke)

The report sets the capital budget which will be presented as part of the budget for 2025-26. As capital projects can extend across financial years, the budgets provided will run up to 2030.

Resolved –

 

That Council be recommended: 

 

(1)       To approve the Capital Strategy (including Prudential Indicators) as   set out at Section A to Executive Document “AZ”.

 

(2)       To approve the capital expenditure for the General Fund and HRA       as set out in Appendix D to Executive Document “AZ” for 2025-26        to 2029-30 subject to:

 

§  all future schemes being included in the Council approved Capital Programme;

§  all new schemes, including third party funded, only commencing with a full business case approved via PAG, CMT and the Executive and subject to being in the Capital Programme;

§  authority being given to the Director of Finance to allow specific exceptions to the approval process when in his opinion it is in the Council's interest. The Director of Finance will keep a record of these exceptions and report to Executive;

§  a further review of the capital programme and a report back to Executive; and

§  an update on the capital receipts potential (to include an update on the asset disposal strategy including accommodation and related assets strategy).

 

(3)       Approve the inclusion of the new capital requirements for 2025-26      onwards as detailed in Appendix D to Executive Document “AZ” for inclusion in the programme and subject to the same as above.

 

(4)       To approve that all projects follow the approved business case            governance process as set out in section A5 of Executive          Document “AZ”. Commitments against reserve schemes and       contingencies can only be made after a business case has been             assessed by Project Appraisal Group, CMT and approved by     Executive.

 

(5)       Specific approval be given for the following schemes previously          approved by Executive to commence following a detailed review by     Project Appraisal Group:

 

§  The 2025-26 Property Programme has a proposed total cost of £2m and this will be funded by £2m allocated in Reserve Schemes.

§  Stockbridge Depot Retaining Wall - £0.16m for structural repairs to a  section of a retaining wall. This scheme is funded from the general contingency budget.

§  Supeconnected Cities – £0.22m for two projects to implement public Wi-Fi along the Keighley Worth Valley Railway in the Worth Valley to address poor mobile coverage and additional Wi-Fi in the City Centre to support City of Culture events. These schemes are funded by grant from WYCA and are linked to scheme CS0266 already in the CIP.

 

(6)       To approve that no financing sources, unless stipulated in         regulations or necessary agreements, are ring fenced.

 

(7)       To approve the proposed financing of the capital programme and        revenue implications as set out in Executive Document “AZ”.

 

(8)       To delegate to the Director of Finance the decisions surrounding         financing of the capital programme to provide sufficient flexibility to allow for the most effective use of the Council’s resources.

 

(9)       Reasons for Decision

           

            The objectives of the CIP are to:

o   Prioritise and co-ordinate funding to achieve the Council’s Plan;

o   Ensure that capital resources are directed to maintain the Council’s statutory requirements across its asset base;

o   Invest in the most beneficial projects to meet Bradford’s long-term requirements; and

o   Manage investment effectively and efficiently.

 

The Council is required, under the CIPFA Prudential Code, to agree a capital strategy that is prudent and sustainable. The revenue budget is set as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), and this supports the financing of the capital programme set out in this report.

 

Capital expenditure is defined as expenditure that is predominantly incurred on buying, constructing or improving physical assets such as land, buildings, infrastructure and equipment.

 

The Council is required to set a balanced revenue budget, and the capital programme forms part of this overall process.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                      (Lynsey Simenton)

 

 

The report provides Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates (The Council’s Budget) for 2025/26.

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended that Council: 

 

(1)       Approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 including:

Ø  the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2025/26 (Set out in Appendix 1 to Executive Document “BA”)

Ø  the Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26 (Set out in Appendix 2 to Executive Document “BA”);

 

(2)       Approve the Prudential Indicators set out in the Treasury           Management Strategy, which demonstrate that the Council’s short term capital investment plans are affordable, prudent and             sustainable (the Prudential Indicators are summarised in Section        4). In the medium term work is required as reported in the S25        report; and

(3)       Any future loans to third parties to be charged at a minimum     interest rate to cover all the Council’s capital financing costs in          providing the loan, namely MRP and interest plus 1% for risk    (paragraph 89 of the TMS).

          Reason:

          To promote effective financial management relating to the Authority’s borrowing and investment powers contained in the Local Government Act 2003, associated regulations and guidance including:

Ø  the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting)(England) Regulations 2003, as amended;

Ø  CIPFA Prudential Code and Treasury Management Code of Practice (2021 editions); and

Ø  MHCLG Statutory Guidance on Local Government Investments (2018) and Statutory Guidance on Minimum Revenue Provision (2024).

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                    (Lynsey Simenton)

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to Council: 

 

(1)       That the Base Revenue Estimated Budget of £591.627m for        2025/26 be approved as set out in Appendix A to Executive            Document “BB”.

 

(2)       To note the confirmation included in Appendix K to Executive   Document “BB” of the in-principal capitalisation support for 2025/26 of £127.104m by the Minister for Local Government and    English Devolution.

 

(3)       That within the Base Revenue Estimated Budget of £591.627m for       2025/26, the             Directorate Net Expenditure Budgets are approved as      set out in Appendix B to Executive Document “BB”.

 

(4)       That amounts for Growths and Pressures of £66.506m in 2025/26         as set out in Appendix D to Executive Document “BB” be            approved.

 

(5)       That amounts for Inflationary Uplifts to Directorate Net    Expenditure Budgets of £40.601m in 2025/26 as set out in         Appendix E to Executive Document “BB” be approved.

 

(6)       That amounts for Historic Structure Issues relating Directorate             Net Expenditure Budgets of £12.502m for 2025/26 as set out in         Appendix F to Executive Document “BB” be approved.

 

(7)       That new savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £11.905m that            have been subject to the Council’s Budget Consultation and Engagement process as set out in Appendix G to Executive             Document “BB” be approved.

 

(8)       That savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £11.002m as set out         in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” that were approved        in March 2024 Full Council are to be noted.

 

(9)       That the savings proposal for 2025/26 of £2.600m following a    review of the Council’s Capital Programme as set out in Appendix   G to Executive Document “BB” be approved.

 

(10)     That the two savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £0.500m as           set out in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” which are          subject to separate consultation be approved.

 

(11)     That savings proposals for 2025/26 totalling £16.800m as set out         in Appendix G to Executive Document “BB” to be delivered by          Bradford Children & Families Trust be noted.

 

(12)     That the comments of the Director of Finance set out in Executive       Document “AX" (Section 151 officer’s assessment of the        proposed budgets on the robustness of the             estimates and the adequacy of reserves) taking account of the recommendations             made at above be noted.

 

(13)     That the consultation response outlined in Appendix I to Executive Document “BB” be noted.

 

 

DELEGATION TO OFFICERS

 

(14)     That the Chief Executive Officer be granted delegated authority to       approve requests for time-limited investment based on the             recommendation of the s151 Officer as supported by a business       case.

 

(15)     That the Chief Executive Officer be granted delegated authority to       approve requests to allocate items of growth held centrally to       directorates based on the recommendation    of the s151 Officer as       supported by a business case for the following items:

 

a.    estimated new burdens associated with the Extender Producer Responsibility: £5.928m.

b.    estimated new burdens associated with Children’s Social Care Prevention: £4.463m

c.    estimated contract pressures associated with Homelessness Temporary Accommodation: £2m

 

(16)     That for the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to any of            the powers contained in Article 14 of Part 2 of the Council's     Constitution on the Function of Officers: The s151 Officer shall       have delegated authority to act on behalf of the Council on             matters relating to Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and            Accounts Receivable Debtors including (without prejudice to the generality of the delegation) entry into any business rate pools,         pilots, assessments, determinations, recovery, enforcement and,             in accordance with the statutory scheme, full delegated powers to      act on behalf of the Council with regard to all aspects of the             granting of Discretionary and Hardship Rate Relief to qualifying ratepayers.

 

 

HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT

 

(17)     To note that a separate report will be presented on this agenda           (Executive Document “BC”) to approve the recommendations to       Council on the Housing Revenue Account budget and Business Plan for 2025/26.

 

 

PAYMENT DATES FOR COUNCIL TAX AND NATIONAL NON-DOMESTIC RATES

 

(18)     That the first instalment date for payment of National Non-         Domestic Rates and Council Tax shall be specified by the s151    Officer.

 

PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX 2025/26

 

(19)     That it be noted that the projected Council Tax base and             expenditure forecasts outlined in Executive Document “BB”            together with the 2025/26 resources and the budget variations   approved in the recommendations above produce a proposed Band D Council Tax of £1,871.88 for 2024/25. This is a £170.02     (9.99%) increase from 2024/25 in line with the bespoke referendum        limit approved for the Council by the Minister for Local             Government and English Devolution.

 

COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION 2025/26

 

(20)     It should be noted that on 7 January 2025, the Council calculated        the Council Tax Base for2025/26. For the whole Council area as     147,730 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local     Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”]; and

 

(21)     That the only special items for 2025/26 under Section 35 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 are local parish and town council precepts and no expenses are to be treated as special expenses under Section 35(1) (b) of that Act.

 

(22)     That the Council Tax Requirement, excluding parish and town council precepts, be calculated asfollows:

 

2025/26 Council Tax Resolution
Gross Expenditure	£1,588,069,800
Income	£1,307,621,500
Council Tax Requirement (inclusive of Parish & Town Precepts)	£280,448,300
Council Tax Base	147,730
Basic Amount of Council Tax	£1,898.38
Adjustment in Respect of Parish and Town Council Precepts	£26.50
Basic Amount Excluding Parish and Town Councils	£1,871.88

 

(23)     That the precepts of Parish and Town Councils are noted and the        resulting Basic Council Tax amounts for particular areas of the      Council be calculated as follows:

Parish or Town Council Area	Local Precept (£)	Council Tax Base	Parish or Town Council Tax (£)	Whole Area Council Tax (£)	Basic Council Tax Amount (£)
Addingham	116,700	1,787	65.3	1,871.88	1,937.18
Baildon	340,208	6,382	53.31	1,871.88	1,925.19
Bingley	245,705	8,789	27.96	1,871.88	1,899.84
Burley	302,290	3,182	95	1,871.88	1,966.88
Clayton	85,142	2,596	32.8	1,871.88	1,904.68
Cross Roads	48,657	1,019	47.75	1,871.88	1,919.63
Cullingworth	46,540	1,371	33.95	1,871.88	1,905.83
Denholme	55,440	1,232	45	1,871.88	1,916.88
Harden	63,225	849	74.47	1,871.88	1,946.35
Haworth with Stanbury	66,577	1,429	46.59	1,871.88	1,918.47
Ilkley	417,101	7,321	56.97	1,871.88	1,928.85
Keighley	1,279,090	15,461	82.73	1,871.88	1,954.61
Menston	146,102	2,519	58	1,871.88	1,929.88
Oxenhope	81,000	1,080	75	1,871.88	1,946.88
Sandy Lane	23,790	877	27.13	1,871.88	1,899.01
Shipley	221,260	4,784	46.25	1,871.88	1,918.13
Silsden	121,250	3,376	35.92	1,871.88	1,907.80
Steeton with Eastburn	99,475	1,806	55.08	1,871.88	1,926.96
Wilsden	118,000	1,787	66.03	1,871.88	1,937.91
Wrose	37,723	2,219	17.00	1,871.88	1,888.88
Total of all local precepts	3,915,275	69,866

 

 

(24)     That theCouncil Taxamounts fordwellings indifferent valuation            bandsin respect ofthe Council’sbudget requirement,taking into      account Parish and Town Councils Precepts applicable to only part of             the Council’s area, be calculated asfollows:

 

	Band A (£)	Band B (£)	Band C (£)	Band D (£)	Band E (£)	Band F (£)	Band G (£)	Band H (£)
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,247.91	1,455.90	1,663.88	1,871.88	2,287.85	2,703.82	3,119.79	3,743.75
The Parish and Town Council Areas Of:
Addingham	1,291.45	1,506.70	1,721.94	1,937.18	2,367.66	2,798.15	3,228.63	3,874.36
Baildon	1,283.46	1,497.37	1,711.28	1,925.19	2,353.01	2,780.83	3,208.65	3,850.38
Bingley	1,266.56	1,477.65	1,688.75	1,899.84	2,322.03	2,744.21	3,166.40	3,799.68
Burley	1,311.25	1,529.80	1,748.34	1,966.88	2,403.96	2,841.05	3,278.13	3,933.76
Clayton	1,269.79	1,481.42	1,693.05	1,904.68	2,327.94	2,751.20	3,174.47	3,809.36
Crossroads	1,279.75	1,493.05	1,706.34	1,919.63	2,346.21	2,772.80	3,199.38	3,839.26
Cullingworth	1,270.55	1,482.31	1,694.07	1,905.83	2,329.35	2,752.87	3,176.38	3,811.66
Denholme	1,277.92	1,490.91	1,703.89	1,916.88	2,342.85	2,768.83	3,194.80	3,833.76
Harden	1,297.57	1,513.83	1,730.09	1,946.35	2,378.87	2,811.39	3,243.92	3,892.70
Haworth with Stanbury	1,278.98	1,492.14	1,705.31	1,918.47	2,344.80	2,771.12	3,197.45	3,836.94
Ilkley	1,285.90	1,500.22	1,714.53	1,928.85	2,357.48	2,786.12	3,214.75	3,857.70
Keighley	1,303.07	1,520.25	1,737.43	1,954.61	2,388.97	2,823.33	3,257.68	3,909.22
Menston	1,286.59	1,501.02	1,715.45	1,929.88	2,358.74	2,787.60	3,216.47	3,859.76
Oxenhope	1,297.92	1,514.24	1,730.56	1,946.88	2,379.52	2,812.16	3,244.80	3,893.76
Sandy Lane	1,266.01	1,477.01	1,688.01	1,899.01	2,321.01	2,743.01	3,165.02	3,798.02
Shipley	1,278.75	1,491.88	1,705.00	1,918.13	2,344.38	2,770.63	3,196.88	3,836.26
Silsden	1,271.87	1,483.84	1,695.82	1,907.80	2,331.76	2,755.71	3,179.67	3,815.60
Steeton with Eastburn	1,284.64	1,498.75	1,712.85	1,926.96	2,355.17	2,783.39	3,211.60	3,853.92
Wilsden	1,291.94	1,507.26	1,722.59	1,937.91	2,368.56	2,799.20	3,229.85	3,875.82
Wrose	1,259.25	1,469.13	1,679.00	1,888.88	2,308.63	2,728.38	3,148.13	3,777.76

 

 

(25) That it be noted that for the year 2025/26 the Police and Crime Commissioner and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (WYFRA) have notified their precepts tobe:

 

2025/26 Precept (£)	Band A (£)	Band B (£)	Band C (£)	Band D (£)	Band E (£)	Band F (£)	Band G (£)	Band H (£)
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority
12,481,708	56.33	65.71	75.10	84.49	103.27	122.04	140.82	168.98
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire
38,894,074	175.52	204.77	234.02	263.28	321.78	380.29	438.8	526.56

 

 

(26) That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, the Council set the following amounts of council tax for 2025/26 in each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

	Band A (£)	Band B (£)	Band C (£)	Band D (£)	Band E (£)	Band F (£)	Band G (£)	Band H (£)
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,479.76	1,726.38	1,973.00	2,219.65	2,712.90	3,206.15	3,699.41	4,439.29
The Parish and Town Council Areas Of:
Addingham	1,523.30	1,777.18	2,031.06	2,284.95	2,792.71	3,300.48	3,808.25	4,569.90
Baildon	1,515.31	1,767.85	2,020.40	2,272.96	2,778.06	3,283.16	3,788.27	4,545.92
Bingley	1,498.41	1,748.13	1,997.87	2,247.61	2,747.08	3,246.54	3,746.02	4,495.22
Burley	1,543.10	1,800.28	2,057.46	2,314.65	2,829.01	3,343.38	3,857.75	4,629.30
Clayton	1,501.64	1,751.90	2,002.17	2,252.45	2,752.99	3,253.53	3,754.09	4,504.90
Crossroads	1,511.60	1,763.53	2,015.46	2,267.40	2,771.26	3,275.13	3,779.00	4,534.80
Cullingworth	1,502.40	1,752.79	2,003.19	2,253.60	2,754.40	3,255.20	3,756.00	4,507.20
Denholme	1,509.77	1,761.39	2,013.01	2,264.65	2,767.90	3,271.16	3,774.42	4,529.30
Harden	1,529.42	1,784.31	2,039.21	2,294.12	2,803.92	3,313.72	3,823.54	4,588.24
Haworth with Stanbury	1,510.83	1,762.62	2,014.43	2,266.24	2,769.85	3,273.45	3,777.07	4,532.48
Ilkley	1,517.75	1,770.70	2,023.65	2,276.62	2,782.53	3,288.45	3,794.37	4,553.24
Keighley	1,534.92	1,790.73	2,046.55	2,302.38	2,814.02	3,325.66	3,837.30	4,604.76
Menston	1,518.44	1,771.50	2,024.57	2,277.65	2,783.79	3,289.93	3,796.09	4,555.30
Oxenhope	1,529.77	1,784.72	2,039.68	2,294.65	2,804.57	3,314.49	3,824.42	4,589.30
Sandy Lane	1,497.86	1,747.49	1,997.13	2,246.78	2,746.06	3,245.34	3,744.64	4,493.56
Shipley	1,510.60	1,762.36	2,014.12	2,265.90	2,769.43	3,272.96	3,776.50	4,531.80
Silsden	1,503.72	1,754.32	2,004.94	2,255.57	2,756.81	3,258.04	3,759.29	4,511.14
Steeton with Eastburn	1,516.49	1,769.23	2,021.97	2,274.73	2,780.22	3,285.72	3,791.22	4,549.46
Wilsden	1,523.79	1,777.74	2,031.71	2,285.68	2,793.61	3,301.53	3,809.47	4,571.36
Wrose	1,491.10	1,739.61	1,988.12	2,236.65	2,733.68	3,230.71	3,727.75	4,473.30

 

 

(27) That Council notes the movement in Band D equivalent charges for 2025/26 over 2024/25 as set out in the table below.

 

Council Tax Summary	2025/26 Band D Equivalent (£)	2024/25 Band D Equivalent (£)	Percentage Change
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council*	1,871.88	1,701.86	9.99%
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority	84.49	79.49	6.29%
West Yorkshire Police Authority	263.28	249.28	5.62%
Local (Parish & Town Council) Precepts:
Addingham	65.30	61.55	6.09%
Baildon	53.31	50.26	6.07%
Bingley	27.96	27.75	0.76%
Burley	95.00	91.94	3.33%
Clayton	32.80	28.63	14.57%
Crossroads	47.75	45.61	4.69%
Cullingworth	33.95	37.50	-9.47%
Denholme	45.00	49.96	-9.93%
Harden	74.47	64.92	14.71%
Haworth etc	46.59	46.56	0.06%
Ilkley	56.97	55.12	3.36%
Keighley	82.73	74.57	10.94%
Menston	58.00	56.00	3.57%
Oxenhope	75.00	52.72	42.26%
Sandy Lane	27.13	17.98	50.89%
Shipley	46.25	40.22	14.99%
Silsden	35.92	38.15	-5.85%
Steeton/ Eastburn	55.08	51.10	7.79%
Wilsden	66.03	63.49	4.00%
Wrose	17.00	16.49	3.09%

 

*For 2025/26, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council has been granted a bespoke referendum limit by the Minister of Local Government and English Devolution

 

COUNCIL TAX HARDSHIP

 

(28)To approve and implement a £1.2m discretionary hardship scheme for 2025/26 for those of working age and in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and:

 

a)    to approve the CTR scheme from 2024/25 to be applied in 2025/26 pending prescribed amendments as required;

 

b)   to approve public consultation during 2025/26 to consider proposed amendments to the working age Council Tax Reduction scheme from 2026/27;

 

c)    to approve £0.500m per annum in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to augment welfare benefit and debt signposting and advice in the District.

 

(29)     That the Fees and Charges policy set out in Appendix J to         Executive Document “BB”, be agreed.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                     (Steven Mair)

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended that Council: 

 

(1)       Accept and approve the proposals for the allocation of the 2025/26     Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in Executive Document “BD”.

 

(2)       Approve the total amount of £825.337m to be appropriated in    respect of all schools covered by the Bradford Scheme for the        Local Management of Schools, so as to establish the Individual          Schools Budget for 2025/26.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                      (Andrew Redding)

s151 Officer Assessment - The report assesses the robustness of the proposed budget for 2025-26, the adequacy of forecast levels of reserves and associated risks.

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to Council: 

 

(1)       That Members have regard to Executive Document “AX” in setting the budget, and in particular note the conclusions that provided that:

 

Ø  the current and planned actions are successfully concluded ie that the emerging financial strategy is agreed and implemented in full;

 

Ø  the Government supports the Council with a “minded to” Capitalisation Direction and will agree to do so in future years;

 

Ø  the recommendations in this and the other budget reports are agreed and actioned in full;

 

Ø reserves continue to be built up as required;

 

Ø risks are properly and promptly managed;

 

Ø financial management issues are successfully addressed;

 

then the overall estimates are sufficiently robust for the Council to set a balanced budget for 2025/26.

 

(2)       That Members agree:

 

Ø  that the level of general reserves be increased;

 

Ø  that there is accordingly no planned use of reserves to support the 2025/26 budget;

 

Ø  to implementation in full of the financial strategy ie that the Council:

 

·         identifies an estimated £50m of revenue savings for 2026/27 to 2029/30;

·         identifies £150m of assets to be sold to generate capital receipts, and investigates the potential for more;

·         undertakes a further review of the capital programme;

·         operates expenditure control panels as set out in the report until at least 2026/27;

·         continues with its review of financial management and finances of the Council;

·         invests in core functions necessary and subject to business cases;

 

Ø  any non-delivery of any planned revenue savings will need to be absorbed within cash limited Departmental budgets.

(3)       That Members note:

 

Ø  the assessment of the current financial position of the Council;

 

Ø  that this assessment is the result of emerging and recent work.  The situation will change and the estimated financial position and solutions will require continual development and refinement and will likewise vary as the year progresses;

 

Ø  the s151 officer is not minded to issue a s114 notice at this point working on the basis that the above assumptions will be supported and seen through on time and in full;

 

Ø  given the extremely challenging financial situation the Council finds itself in, which it has in recent months started to address, if the recommendations are not agreed, or if the assumptions are not delivered as assumed then very serious consideration will be given to the issuing of a s114 notice;

 

Ø  as with all budgets there is the potential for amendments to be proposed/agreed which could change the overall package of proposals. In that respect, it should be highlighted that this statement would have to be amended if a decision was proposed that leads to the Council’s budget not being in balance.  In addition, any other amendments would be considered against the scale of the overall budget and depending upon the extent and nature, may result in a revised statement.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                        (Steven Mair)

 

 

Resolved –

 

That the requests for Enforcement/Prosecution Action and the decisions made by the Secretary of State as set out in Document “H” be noted.

 

To be actioned by - Strategic Director, Place

 

1.          3-5 Oak Lane, Bradford, BD9 4PU

 

Resolved –

 

That the application be approved subject to the conditions as set out in the Strategic Director’s technical report (Document “G”) with the exception of:

 

Condition 3: Prior to the installation of any new shopfronts in the building, details of the materials for the frames, a sectional joinery profile and confirmation of the paint finish of the frames shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The shopfronts shall then be installed in accordance with the approved details and so retained in this form thereafter.  To be re-written.

 

Condition 4 – to be re-written to reflect the submission of bin storage information in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of the dwellings hereby permitted and retained thereafter.

 

Decisions to be delegated to Officers for changes to conditions 3 and 4.

 

2.          12 Shay Drive, Bradford, BD9 5PP

 

Resolved –

 

That the application be approved. 

 

Reason:  Members felt that the safety and wellbeing of the property’s occupants outweighed the reasons for refusal.

 

3.          14 Oak Mount, Bradford, BD8 7BE

 

Resolved –

 

That the application be deferred to allow for a bat survey to be submitted and to be brought back to the Planning Panel within 3 months for determination.

 

4.          21 Snape Drive, Bradford, BD7 4LZ

 

There was no resolution on this item as the application was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

 

5.    285 Toller Lane, Bradford, BD9 5BP

 

Resolved –

 

No resolution was passed on this item as it was deferred and will be brought back to the Panel for determination at a later date.

 

To be actioned by: The Strategic Director, Place

 

 

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       Members noted and commented on the report.

 

(2)       That the Libraries Service provide quarterly reports to the          Bradford South Area Co-ordinator to share with members   including library visits, loans, pc use, other activities etc.

 

 (3)      That a further report be presented to the Bradford South Area   Committee in 12 months-time.

  

To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place

 

Overview & Scrutiny Area: Healthy People & Places

 

 (Christine May- 07970 829265)

 

 

Resolved -

 

(1)       That the contents of Document “N” be noted and the significant           capital investment into parks and green spaces facilities within the area be welcomed.   

 

 (2)      That a further report be presented to the Bradford South Area   Committee in 12 months-time.

  

To be actioned by:  Strategic Director Place

 

Overview & Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment 

 

(Jo Hinchliffe- 01274 432616)