Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves for recommendation to Council:

1. The General Fund revenue budget proposals for 2010/11 summarised at Appendix 1, including the detailed budget changes contained at Appendices 2 to 6;

2. The proposed fees and charges included at Appendix 7;

3. The capital programme set out at Appendix 8;

4. The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2010/11 to 2012/13 as detailed in Appendix 9;

5. The adoption of the CIPFA Revised Code of Practice for Treasury Management in Public Services as detailed in Appendix 10.

6. That Cabinet note the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources’ comments regarding his responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2003.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered its budget proposals and budget strategy for 2010/11 and beyond for approval by full Council. The revenue budget proposals had been developed to deliver a zero increase in Council Tax for 2010/11. They sought to do this whilst maintaining balances and reserves at £12 million.

The budget strategy had been delivered through a rigorous focus on identifying savings and efficiencies across the Council.  This had been done through a flexible thematic approach to setting savings targets and monitored in conjunction with the Leader of the Council throughout the budget process.

The proposals also provided for priority growth of £1.4 million and a capital programme for 2010/11 of total expenditure of £99.7 million.

Each of the service Policy Overview Committees referred their comments on the draft budget to the Corporate Services and Partnerships Policy Overview Committee on 10 February 2010. Cabinet considered the Committee’s comments.

Cabinet then recommended their budget proposals to full Council on 25 February 2010 in order to formally set the General Fund revenue budget, capital programme and Council Tax for the 2010/11 financial year.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have amended its growth proposals, added or removed new capital schemes or varied fees and charges, however this could have had a consequential impact on the revenue budget requirement and Council Tax.

Officers to action:

Christopher Neale and Paul Whaymand, Finance and Resources

Urgency Provisions

This report had been circulated less than 5 working days before the Cabinet meeting and was agreed by the Chairman to be considered as urgent.