Issue - meetings

The Director of Resources submitted a report presenting the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2013/2014. Such proposals were within the context of developing a longer term financial plan for the Council, as the report also set out how resources would be aligned to the Council’s “Best Council” ambitions for the 4 year period up to 2016/2017.

Members highlighted the difficult decisions which would need to be taken in order to achieve the proposed budget, and emphasised the constructive and collective approach which needed to continue in order to address those issues that the current financial situation posed.

Emphasis was placed upon the need for the consultation exercise which accompanied the budget setting process to be genuine, with the outcomes from it being reflected within the final proposals wherever possible. Following a Member’s enquiry, the Board received clarification on the Council’s expected levels of funding which would be received from Government for 2013/14.

In conclusion, the Chief Executive highlighted the value of the consultation exercise which would continue in respect of the budget proposals, and formally thanked all Council employees for their continued efforts during the current challenging climate. 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be agreed as the initial budget proposals, and that approval be given to the proposals being submitted to Scrutiny for consideration and also for the proposals to be used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillors A Carter and Golton required it to be recorded that they both abstained from voting on the decisions taken above)

(The matters referred to within this minute were not eligible for Call In, as decisions regarding the Council’s budget were ultimately reserved to Council)