The report proposes the draft Budget for 2018/19 and updates the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) approved by Council in February 2017.

That the draft Budget for 2018/19 and the updated MTFP 2018/19 – 2021/22 be approved as the basis for consultation with the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, residents, local businesses and other interested parties.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the draft Budget for 2018/19 and updated the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).  It was noted that the report had been published before the Provisional Financial Settlement for Local Government had been released.  This included lifting the Council Tax referendum limit by 1% for 2018/19 and 2019/20.  The report proposed a 1.5% increase in Council Tax plus the 3% adult social care precept, making a total increase of 4.5%.  The report sought approval for the draft Budget and MTFP as the basis for consultation.

In response to questions, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources confirmed that the proposals would be considered by the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (CROSC) on 25 January 2018 and all Members were invited to attend.  The Executive Member moved an amendment to the recommendation to clarify that the consultation would include residents and local businesses, as well as scrutiny and other interested parties.  This was duly seconded.

Reason for decision:  To enable consultation on the draft budget 2018/19 and MTFP 2018/19-2021/22, prior to recommendations being made by the Executive on 6 February 2018 to Council on 22 February 2018.

RESOLVED

that the draft Budget for 2018/19 and the updated MTFP 2018/19 – 2021/22 be approved as the basis for consultation with the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, residents, local businesses and other interested parties.

The decision was unanimous.