Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which provided an update on the Council’s budget strategy and financial outlook, to help inform development of Cabinet’s corporate planning and budget proposals.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Regarding the budget strategy, Cabinet may approve the proposals as set out in the report, or require changes to be made to the suggested approach.  The overriding aim of any budget setting process is to approve a balanced budget by statutory deadlines, allocating resources to help ensure delivery of the Council’s corporate and service objectives.  The proposed approach is in line with that broad aim, drawing on various strategic matters.  Any changes that Cabinet puts forward should also be framed in that context.

In term of the actual budget position, this report was primarily for information, to assist Cabinet in its budget deliberations.  No specific decisions were sought at this time.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Pattison:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

1.            That the proposed changes to budget strategy as set out in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

2.            That the draft budgetary position for current and future years be noted, accepting that this is an interim update.

3.            That prior to Christmas and drawing on information contained within this report, Cabinet:

-         continues to refine its proposals for an ambitious, deliverable and affordable Corporate Plan; and

-         identifies its initial budget proposals from 2018/19 onwards

to form the basis for engagement and consultation in the New Year, ahead of Budget Council.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

Draft budget proposals will be considered by Cabinet on 16^th January 2018 and by the Budget & Performance Panel on 23^rd January 2018.