Issue - meetings

This report presents the 2007/08 budget proposals for Leisure & Culture.

That the following proposals for consultation be put forward prior to the Budget Executive on 16 January 2007:

·           2007/08 Base Budget as set out in paragraphs 7 to 9

·           Service Pressure Proposals as set out in Annex 2

·           Savings Proposals as set out in Annex 3

·           Fees and Charges as set out in Annex 4

REASON:                     To begin consultation on the Leisure & Culture budget for 2007/08

Members considered a report which presented the 2007/08 budget proposals for Leisure & Culture. It included:

·           The Budget Book Service Plans for 2006/07 (Annex 1) to show the original budgets.

·           The base budget for 2007/08 including the 2006/07 budget rolled forward and adjusted.

·           The allocation of pay and price increases for the portfolio.

·           Budget service pressure proposals and savings proposals for the portfolio area (Annexes 2 and 3).

·           Fees and charges proposals (Annex 4).

Some Members raised concerns about the ‘salami slicing’ approach to the budget and the Director of Learning, Culture and Children’s Services explained that the alternative i.e. to cut a complete service, could be more damaging.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to put forward the following proposals for consultation prior to the Budget Executive on 16 January 2007:

·           2007/08 Base Budget as set out in paragraphs 7 to 9

·           Service Pressure Proposals as set out in Annex 2

·           Savings Proposals as set out in Annex 3

·           Fees and Charges as set out in Annex 4

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:The advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and  endorsed  

REASON:                     To begin consultation on the Leisure & Culture budget for 2007/08