(a)          Decision(s)

That, for the purposes of scrutiny, approval be given to the following initial set of (draft) budget proposals, together with the Medium Term Financial Plan:-

(1)  That 2.2 million of savings as set out in paragraph 4.6 of the Cabinet report be taken into budget planning.

(2)  That Council Tax be increased by an annual amount equal to £5 (3.59%) for a Band D property (equivalent to 10 pence per week) from 1 April, 2017.

(3)  That work be continued on the development of the budget proposals and that any net variance be either added to, or deducted from, General Balances.

(4)  That the revised list of fees and charges attached to the Cabinet report be agreed.

(5)  That the Band D Special Expenses charge for 2017/18 be held at the current level.

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

The Council is statutorily required to set a budget for 2017/2018 and plan for expenditure in subsequent years based upon the Medium Term Financial Plan.  These are draft proposals based upon the latest information which will be reviewed as further information becomes available and which will facilitate scrutiny of the overall strategy.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

The development of the initial proposals has involved a number of key elements of choice as set out in previous reports and the latest report submitted to Cabinet.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.  That Committee will be considering Cabinet’s initial proposals at its meeting on 9 January, 2017.  Cabinet will then formulate firm proposals, taking account of the views expressed by the Scrutiny Committee, which will be submitted to Council for consideration.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.