Decision - Budget Update and Directorate Budget Strategies for 2010/11

To note the changes to the council’s resource position and to agree the Directorate Budget Strategies for setting the 2010/11 budget

(1)         That Cabinet notes the latest budget projections and the key budget issues for future years.

(2)         That Cabinet considers and agrees the reserves allocations set out in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.

(3)         That Cabinet notes and agrees the risk provisions set out in table 4 of the report.

(4)         That Cabinet considers and agrees the budget strategies for each service as set out in appendix 1 to the report.

The council is under a statutory duty to set its council tax and budget before 11 March each year. This report sets out the latest budget assumptions, process and timetable to meet its statutory duty.

The budget process allows all parties to put forward viable alternative budget and council tax proposals to Budget Council on 25 February. Budget Council has the opportunity to debate both the proposals put forward by Cabinet at the same time as any viable alternative proposals.