Issue - meetings

The Council considered its Treasury Management Strategy statement for 2026/27, fulfilling its legal obligation under the Local Government Act 2003 to have regard to the CIPFA Code which requires this.

On a motion from Councillor Mark Elliot, seconded by Councillor Robin Moss, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to

1.  Approve the actions proposed within the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 (Appendix 1); and

2.  Note the Treasury Management Indicators detailed in Appendix 1.

To consider the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026/27.

Cllr Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·The Strategy outlines a cautious borrowing approach, aiming to minimise long?term commitments while interest rates remain high.

·Investment principles follow a clear priority order:
1) Security, 2) Liquidity, 3) Yield, with added ethical and sustainable considerations.

·Prudential indicators within the Strategy set the framework for affordable, sustainable, and prudent borrowing.

·The Strategy supports delivery of the council’s capital programme, including regeneration schemes, climate?related commitments, school projects, and social care infrastructure.

·It is aligned with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and reinforces the council’s long?term financial resilience.

·The Strategy complies with CIPFA guidance and statutory obligations and establishes a robust governance framework with regular monitoring of treasury activity.

Cllr Joel Hirst seconded the motion.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To recommend the actions proposed within the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 (Appendix 1 of the report) to Council.

(2)  To note the Treasury Management Indicators detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.