Issue - decisions

Members considered a report which presented a draft Financial Strategy for the period 2007/08 to 2009/10.  The report reflected the Secretary of State’s decision to nominate the Council in relation to its Council Tax levels for 2006/07-2007/08 and explored options to move to a more strategic approach to meeting future budget pressures and delivering efficiency improvements.  The draft Strategy was attached as an annex to the report.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the Financial Strategy be adopted.

REASON:      To assist in the development of the Council’s medium-term service and financial planning.

                        (ii)        That the Council’s projected financial position for 2007/08 to 2009/10, as outlined in the report (Table 1, paragraph 5) and detailed in the Financial Strategy, be noted.

REASON:      So that Members are fully aware of the financial pressures which the Council currently faces.

                        (iii)       That the Director of Resources, in conjunction with the Corporate Management Team, be required to develop, review and prioritise all currently identified growth and reprioritisation areas against relevant criteria, including statutory pressures, local priorities and comparative performance.

REASON:      To assist Members in targeting resources at those areas which have the greatest need in terms of meeting external requirements, local needs and service improvements.

                        (iv)       That the Director of Resources, in conjunction with the Corporate Management Team, be required to develop a three to five year programme of efficiency reviews.

REASON:      To assist in the development of a more strategic approach to budget setting, especially in terms of identifying areas for service improvement and financial savings.