Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director.

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder.

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report, which had been  considered by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee on 8 December 2021, setting out the draft General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, Special Expenses and Capital Programme.

Due to the short timescales between the January and February Cabinet, the Chairman of the Council agreed to an exemption from the Council’s Scrutiny Procedure rules in relation to the call-in of the decision on the item. It allowed officers to launch the consultation earlier and run a longer consultation as a result.

It was noted that the New Homes Bonus had been extended and that Tax and Rates base increased by more than that of other authorities. NWL were also one of the fastest growing districts in the country for Business Rates, all of which were very positive. 

Members commented that the budget  balanced and that the authority was currently in a good position, however it was crucial that the Council now made a meaningful start with the progression on the Journey to Self Sufficiency(J2SS).

It was moved by Councillor N Rushton seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The 2022/23 Draft Budget proposals for statutory consultation be agreed.
2. The S151 assurance statement given in Section 5 be noted.
3. The Council’s risk register be noted.

Reason for decision: Required as part of the 2022/23 budget process.