Agenda

NOTE: All Councillors (with the exception of one) have been granted a dispensation to speak and vote in relation to the following matters, which are relevant to the business due to be conducted during this meeting:

Setting Council Tax or a precept under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended from time to time or any superseding legislation.

Notwithstanding the above, the Government takes the view that a dispensation is unnecessary in certain circumstances and that councillors do not have a disclosable pecuniary interest in decisions relating to the setting of Council Tax levels.

a)    Mayor

b)    Leader of the Council

c)    Chief Executive

To confirm as correct, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 15^th January 2026.

To consider and give effect to a request from the Conservative Group for a change to an appointment in the list of Outside Bodies in connection with the Leisure in Hyndburn Board.

The Council makes two appointments annually to the Board of Hyndburn Leisure.  For 2025/26, the appointments comprised - a voting representative from the controlling group (Councillor Melissa Fisher) and a non-voting representative from the main Opposition group (Councillor Loriane Cox).  Councillor Cox has recently resigned from this role and Councillor David Heap has now been nominated as her replacement.

In accordance with s.16(4) The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Council is required to give effect to the wishes of the political group concerned.

Report attached.

To note the attached report which is due to be considered by Cabinet on 18^th February 2026.

To consider the attached report and recommendations are due to be considered by the Cabinet on 18^th February 2026 and which are proposed to be referred to Council for approval.

The report also includes the following:

·         Treasury Management and Investment Strategy 2026/27

·         Treasury Management Policy Statement 2026/27

·         Treasury Management Practices Statement 2026/27

·         Capital Strategy 2026/27

To determine the General Fund Revenue Budget, Council Tax Levels and Capital Programme for 2025/26.

The Council is firstly requested to consider and approve the procedure to be followed during the Budget debate.  The procedures may include temporary amendments to the Council’s usual Standing Orders to facilitate an effective debate.   A copy of the proposed procedure will be circulated in advance of the meeting.

In order to enable the Council to make the required decisions, the following documents are submitted:

a)         General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27

The proposals due to be considered by the Cabinet on 18^th February 2026 are set out in the attached report.  Should there be any changes agreed at that meeting and/or any subsequent changes put forward for consideration, the final proposals of the controlling group will be circulated in advance of the Council meeting.

b)         Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2028/29

The proposals due to be considered by the Cabinet on 18^th February 2026 are set out in the attached report. Should there be any changes agreed at that meeting and/or any subsequent changes put forward for consideration, the final proposals of the controlling group will be circulated in advance of the Council meeting.

c)         Comments and Recommendations of Overview and Scrutiny

The Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on 23^rd February 2026 to consider the budget proposals for 2026/26.  The Committee’s comments will be reported in advance of the meeting.

d)         Council Tax Resolution 2026/27

This report will follow and will set out the Council’s budget requirement for 2026/27 updated following the information presented to Cabinet on 18^th February 2026, together with details the Council’s Precept on the Collection Fund and the formal details surrounding the Precepts of other bodies on the Collection Fund.  Should there be any further changes for consideration, the final proposals of the controlling group will be circulated by way of alterations to the report’s recommendations and will be so moved at the meeting.

NOTE: In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be required in respect of this decision, including any amendments moved and seconded.