(a)          Decision(s)

That the following be approved for the purposes of scrutiny in relation to budget proposals for 2018/19 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP):-

(1)          To take into budget planning the £2.63m of proposed savings as set out in the Cabinet report.

(2)          To take into budget planning the £2.60m of forecast pressures as set out in the Cabinet report.

(3)          To increase council tax by an annual amount equal to £5 (3.48%) for a Band D property (equivalent to less than 10p per week), with effect from 1 April, 2018.

(4)          To continue work on the development of the budget proposals and for any net variance resulting to be either added to, or deducted from General Fund Balances.

(5)          That the schedule of fees and charges attached to the Cabinet report be approved.

(6)          To approve the use of £1.53m from the New Homes Bonus reserve to meet the costs of the Connected Knowledge programme in 2018/19.

(7)          That the level of the Band D Special Expenses charge for 2018/19 should remain unchanged.

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

The Council is required to set a budget for the next financial year and to formulate expenditure/income proposals for subsequent years as part of the review of the Medium term Financial Plan.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.  The initial budget proposals will be considered by the Committee at its meeting in January, 2018, and call-in is therefore unnecessary.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.