(a)          Decision(s)

(1)  That the approach proposed in the Cabinet report for developing the 2019/2020 budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan, be endorsed.

(2)  That approval be given to the repurposing of the business rates equalisation reserve and the interest equalisation reserve in order to provide the Council with initial financial capacity to respond to the costs of local government reorganisation.

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

To facilitate ongoing development of the budget for 2019/2020 and to ensure that appropriate provision is made for the costs of transition.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None as such.  The Cabinet report set out the current position and highlighted the issues that would need to be taken into account in finalising the budget for 2019/2020.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.  That Committee would be receiving a similar update at its next meeting.  The final budget proposals will be submitted to full Council in due course.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.