Issue details

Cabinet received a report as part of the council’s agreed process for integrated finance and business planning.

The purpose of the report was to present budget proposals for 2014/15 through to 2023/24, in line with the provisional local government finance settlement for 2014/15 and in advance of some Department for Education specific grants being announced.

The report contained three key sections:

i) Cabinet report and summary of council funding implications, including proposals on council tax;

ii) The draft MTFS, including capital strategy, asset management plan and Treasury Strategy. This will allow consultation to take place on these elements; and

iii) The budget consultation document to enable scrutiny and discussed with staff,     business leaders, the voluntary sector, partner organisations, trade unions, local MPs, parish councils, the Youth MP and Youth Council and other interested parties.

This report set out the proposals for consultation to enable Cabinet at its meeting on 24 February to make recommendations to be made to the meeting of Full Council on 5 March 2014.

In addition, the report also had regard to the revised budget timetable approved by Full Council at the meeting of 4 December under the council constitution Part 4, Section 6 – Budget and Policy Framework Rules.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED to agree:

1.   The following as the basis for the budget consultation and in light of the announcement of the local government provisional settlement for 2014/15:

a) That the MTFS is set in the context of the council priorities;

b) The Budget monitoring report as the latest probable outturn position for 2013/14;

c) The draft revenue budget for 2014/15 and proposed cash limits for 2015/16 to 2023/24 (including the capacity bids and saving proposals);

d) The draft capital programme for 2014/15 and proposed cash limits to 2023/24 and

associated capital strategy, treasury strategy and asset management plan;

e) The proposed council tax freeze in 2014/15 and 2015/16 with indicative increases for planning purposes of 2% for 2016/17 to 2023/24;

f) To spend at the level of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2014/15 to 2023/24;

g) The proposals for reserves and balances; and

h) Confirm the proposals for setting fees and charges for 2014/15.

2. That Cabinet approve the budget proposals as the basis to consult with Scrutiny, Staff, Unions, Stakeholders

3. That Cabinet have regard for the continuing uncertainty of national public finances, the impact that dwelling and business growth locally will have on future funding arrangements.

4. That Cabinet recognise the challenge to close a significant forecast gap of £18m in

2015/16 and also the further gaps in later years.

5. That Cabinet note that government Grants will not be confirmed until the final settlement is released in February 2014.