(a)          Decision(s)

That the approach proposed in the Cabinet report for developing the 2017/2018 budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan be approved.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

The Council is required to set a budget for the forthcoming financial year.  The decisions will feed into the Medium Term Financial Plan within the context of planning future years’ expenditure.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None as such.  There will be a range of options going forward as more detailed information becomes available in relation to key invariables.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.  This is the first stage in the development of the budget for 2017/2018 and gives a high level overview of the key factors that will affect the final proposals, which will in due course be subject to scrutiny by the Committee.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.