Decision details

Cabinet received a report as part of the Council’s agreed two-stage budget process as outlined in a report considered by Cabinet on 25 November 2015.

The purpose of the report was to enable Cabinet to consider the feedback from the consultation undertaken to date with Scrutiny, residents, partner organisations, businesses and other interested parties and to recommend to Council approval of phase one budget proposals.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED:

1.   To have regard to the consultation feedback received to date and statutory advice detailed in the report when determining the phase one budget proposals, noting that consultation remains open and an addendum will be provided prior to the Cabinet meeting and to the Council meeting.

2.   To recommend to Council on the 17 December 2015, having had regard to feedback,

a)  Approval of phase one budget proposals, summarised in appendices one and two, to enable implementation of these budget proposals to commence;

3.   To note the timetable for the phase two consultation and formal approval of the 2016/17 to 2025/26 Medium Term Financial Strategy as detailed at section 5. Furthermore, budget proposals approved by Council on the 17 December will form part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy but will not form part of the second stage of consultation or Council debate on 9 March 2016.

Under statutory requirements the Council must set a lawful and balance budget.  The approach outlined within the report worked towards fulfilling this requirement.

No alternative option had been considered as the Cabinet was responsible under the Constitution for initiating Budget Proposals and the Council was statutorily obliged to set a lawful and balanced budget by 11 March annually.

None.

Medium Term Financial Strategy Budget 2016/17 Phase One Proposals Document from Cabinet 17 November 2015.