RESOLVED that -

(a)     the Council’s in-year financial position as at the end of December 2025 along with the latest financial forecast update be noted;

(b)     the proposed adjustments to the budget as set out in Appendix 1H be approved;

(c)     the most up to date CRP budgets as set out within Appendix 1D(i) be agreed;

(d)     the views of the Resources and Service Overview and Scrutiny Committee be invited on the information set out in this report along with the Council’s wider financial position as part of its work programme for the year;

(e)     in respect of the cost pressure of £0.427m in 2026/27 relating to the Investment in Assets (General R&R Priority Items), as set out within Appendix 1H, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance, be authorised to allocate this funding across the various associated schemes;

(f)       subject to an associated agreement with Essex Police, the transfer to them of the previously agreed annual contributions for the Harwich PCSO for the period covering 2025/26 to 2027/28 be approved; and

(g)     Pride In Place external grant funding of £0.360m (capital) and £0.232m (revenue), along with associated additional capacity funding of £0.150m to support the delivery of the programme, be accepted ahead of a future separate report that will include further details / associated governance arrangements as necessary.