Decision details

RESOLVED:

      i.        That the national and local policy context (Annex 1) and significant financial uncertainties at this stage in the budget-setting process be noted.

    ii.        That the service proposals set out in this report which seek to respond to this context and deliver our corporate priorities, be endorsed.

   iii.        That the draft service business plans for 2023/24 to 2025/26 be approved, and that Heads of Service be authorised to finalise the plans for their service areas in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders.

   iv.        That the following be approved for consultation under the Council’s budget and policy framework:

a.    Medium Term Financial Plan Forecasts and proposed actions to address the forecast Revenue Budget gap (Annex 2);

b.    Service Revenue Budget growth proposals totalling £0.442 million, savings of (£0.828) million and additional income of (£1.186) million (Annex 3);

c.    Central Revenue Budget Savings proposals totalling (£0.897) million (Annex 3);

d.    Revenue Issues, Risks and Opportunities totalling £2.407 million, to be funded from earmarked Reserves as necessary;

e.    Revenue Reserve Balances at 1 April 2022 of £45.596 million (Annex 6.1);

f.     A forecast balanced Revenue budget for 2023/24, subject to final confirmation of the outstanding items; and

g.    Capital Programme Growth proposals totalling £7.683 million (Annex 4).

    v.        That the Fees & Charges Policy (Annex 5) be approved.

   vi.        That the Reserves Policy (Annex 6.2) be approved.

  vii.        That the Local Council Tax Support Scheme be reviewed during 2023/24 and the outcome reported as part of Service & Financial Planning for 2024/25.