Agenda and decisions

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2025.

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests that relate to business on the agenda and which have not already been included in the register of interests, before any discussion takes place on the item. Unless the interest is sensitive, you must also disclose the nature of the interest. In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, you must then leave the room and must not participate in any further discussion of the item.  Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

To receive questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and responses thereto.

Details of questions should be notified to the Democratic Services Manager by 10.00am at least three working days prior to the meeting. Further information about speaking at a committee can be found here: Speaking at a Committee

To consider recommendations made to the Executive from Scrutiny Committees.

Strategic Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 15 January 2026 - Minute No. 33 – Unauthorised Encampments

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive Committee agreed to explore the viability and impact of a Negotiated Stopping Policy.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the recommendation of Scrutiny and agreed at the meeting.

Customer Focus Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 22 January 2026 - Minute No. 100 – Medium Term Financial Plan

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive Committee agreed to consider:

(1) that a peppercorn rent continue for Citizens Advice Exeter;

(2) whether more resources can be directed to the Parks and Green Spaces Team;

(3) whether the Climate Action Plan could be strengthened by adding an Adaptation and Resilience plan; and

(4) strengthening support for the community asset transfer.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the recommendations of Scrutiny and agreed at the meeting.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the latest progress made on the Exeter Plan.

RECOMMENDED that Council grants delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for City Development, to authorise any proposed modifications that may arise during the Exeter Plan Examination to ensure the Plan is considered sound.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council

(1)   approve the Council’s overall revenue spending proposals in respect of the General Fund;

(2)   approve the Council’s General Fund Capital Programme;

(3)   notes and considers the budget assessment by the Section 151 Officer as set out in Section 11 of the report, when agreeing the recommendations;

(4)   approve for the General Fund minimum Balance to be set at £3.010 million for 2026/27;

(5)   approve the Council Tax for each Band as set out in section 12 of the report, subject to Devon County Council, OPCC Devon and Cornwall and the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority confirming their Band D levels respectively; and

(6)   approve the Council’s Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy, as set out in Appendix 10 of the report.

RESOLVED that the Executive agree that once the actual Council Tax amounts for Devon County Council, the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority are confirmed, the revised Council Tax levels be submitted to Council on 25 February 2026 for approval.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council:

(1)     approves the Council’s overall spending proposals in respect of the HRA revenue;

(2)     approves the HRA Capital Programme;

(3)     notes and considers the budget assessment by the Section 151 Officer as set out in Section 10 of the report when agreeing the recommendations; and

(4)     sets the HRA minimum balance at £3.525 million for 2026/27.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Capital Strategy as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the Treasury Management Strategy and Treasury Management Practices and the delegations contained therein.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the adoption of:

(1)   the Prudential Indicators set out in Appendices A–C; and

(2)   the Annual Statement of Minimum Revenue Provision for the Council.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council agree that the scheme in place for the current year continue for 2026-27.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for People and Communities.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2025–2028.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for People and Communities.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council:

(1)   approves an amendment to the Grants Panel Terms of Reference to formally include authority for the Panel to make decisions on community grants allocated through the Ukrainian Refugee Support scheme, funded through the Homes for Ukraine tariff income. The Ukrainian community activity grants follow the same governance principles, decision making processes, transparency standards and evaluation requirements as those outlined for the City Grant Fund, with modest variations where required to meet the specialised needs of Ukrainian communities; and

(2)   grant delegated authority to the Director of People & Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Communities, to agree future minor amendments to the Grants Panel Terms of Reference where such amendments are administrative, support operational efficiency, or ensure continued alignment with national guidance or funding requirements for Ukrainian support.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for People and Communities.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the adoption of the new Temporary Accommodation Policy.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

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