Issue - meetings

To consider the Leader’s Budget Report

Consideration was given to a report from the Leader setting out the framework of a new 3 Year Council Plan, which would give a clear strategic direction for the Council.

The report identified a number of activities that would result in a balanced budget over the next 3 years and sought to protect and enhance essential frontline services, retain sufficient skilled staff, and give local people even better value for money as the Council cut its costs. This approach would enable the Council to make its contribution to reducing the burden of public debt and to create greater prosperity for hard working local people.

Attached to the report was a series of appendices which collectively comprised the Financial Plan.

RESOLVED

That Council be recommended to:

1.      Note the ongoing Budget Engagement exercise undertaken by the Council, as set out in Appendix 4;

2.      Note the comments of the Council’s Chief Finance Officer regarding the robustness of estimates and level of reserves held by the Council based on these budget proposals;

3.      Approve the 2013/2016 Budget Report, which presents the financial implications of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, and the detailed changes needed to implement it, as set out in Appendix 2;

4.      Approve the 3 Year Capital Programme for 2013/14 to 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 3;

5.      Approve a Band D Council tax of £1,216.34 (no change from 2012/13);

6.      Approve the recommended Reserves Strategy;

7.      Note the 2013/14 level of non ring-fenced Specific Grants, and that any amendments to particular grants, in the light of further information received from Government Departments or other funding bodies, will be reported to Council;

8.      Agree the 2013/14 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) of £182.4 million and the associated policy proposals;

9.      Authorise the Children’s and Family Services Portfolio Holder to agree any necessary amendment to the DSG position in the light of further information received from the Department for Education, pupil number changes, further academy transfers and the actual balance brought forward from 2012/13;

10.    Note the receipt by the Council of the transferred and ring-fenced grant for Public Health functions, and acknowledge the positive benefits for local people from the Council acquiring these new functions and responsibilities from 1 April 2013;

11.    Approve the recommended Prudential Indicators for Capital Financing; and

12.    Note the risk assessment detailed in the Chief Finance Officer’s report.