Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He informed Members that the draft General Fund Budget for the next year showed a projected surplus of £568k, which would take the forecast level of General Fund reserves to £4.2m at 31 March 2019, however there were still uncertainties around the level of Business Rates income and the value of the New Homes Bonus payments the Council would receive.He reminded Cabinet that in line with its decision in January 2017 the Local Council Tax Support Scheme had continued in 2017/18 and the scheme would see the first phased in reduction of 25% from 2018/19.

He highlighted that the draft budget for Special Expenses presented a balanced budget and that some of the risks in the budget included a decrease in waste and leisure incomes, an increase to the ICT budget and a possible increase to the salary budget of 2% plus 2% the following year would need to be considered by officers.

Councillor R Blunt advised that it was again proposed not to increase Council Tax for the ninth year in succession.

It was moved by Councillor N J Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

A.    The 2018/19 budget proposals for statutory consultation be agreed.

B.    The Assurance Statement by the Deputy S151 Officer be noted.

Reason for decision: Required to complete 2018/19 budget process.