Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the Council’s 2012-14 budget process. 

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet note the current position and the ongoing work that is being undertaken to deliver the 2012/14 budget.

REASON:                  So that the budget process can be completed in a timely manner.

Members considered a report which provided an update on the 2012/14 budget process. These would be the second and third budgets to be set under the current spending review and continue to present the council with significant challenges as services rose against reduced funding.

Savings of £22m were required with £12m in 2012/13 and £10m in 2013/14. The main pressures requiring these savings included:

·         significant provisional reduction in the council’s Formula Grant Settlement

·         Continued pay and pension pressures

·         Continued increased capacity for waste management

·         Rising demand for other council services e.g. social care.

Consideration had been given to the possible extension of the council tax freeze grant as set out in Tables 1 and 2 of the report. This had shown that taking a Council Tax increase in 2012/13 would be of greater long term financial benefit to the council.

Details of the ongoing consultation with the numerous consultation strands was set out in paragraphs 16 to 18 of the report.

RESOLVED:             That the Cabinet note the current position and the ongoing work that is being undertaken to deliver the 2012/14 budget.

REASON:                  So that the budget process can be completed in a timely manner.