Issue - meetings

Background:

This report set out the major financial issues facing the Council over the next three years. It also provided a framework for the more detailed preparation of the draft Revenue Budget for 2013/16.

The report included details of the Council’s financial position, together with an overview of the Spending Review 2010, the Council’s strategic priorities and core values and the need for the Medium Term Financial Plan to be able to respond to the changing policy context in which the Council and its partners operated.

An assessment of likely available resources and details of a number of key spending issues across the Council’s directorates were set out. It was also noted that the Medium Term Financial Plan identified the resources available, which would determine the service priorities within the Council Plan. Diversity Impact Assessments would be undertaken and reported to Members as part of the budget and service planning process as the quantum of resources and hence the impact on Council services unfolded.

Members were advised that after allowing for a potential council tax increase and estimated savings from the transformational Better for Less programme, which sought to improve services and deliver efficiencies, there remained a potential deficit for 2013/14 of £5.9million.

In order to retain the strategic aim of achieving a sustainable budget without recourse to reserves, existing and emerging pressures would be challenged and weight given to the efficiency agenda and the search for more cost effective means of delivery.

The report also set out the timetable for the development of the draft budget setting proposals and it was noted that business and service planning would run concurrently, leading to the development of the Council Plan.

The Cabinet considered an addendum report that was tabled at the meeting. This set out details of the comments and recommendations from the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which had considered the report on 25 September 2012.

Reasons:

This was a preparatory document to meet the budget process and timetable set outwithin the Constitution.