Decision - Budget and Corporate Plan Preparation

1)            Note the resource and expenditure projections for 2015/16 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) projections set out in the body of the report and appendices 1 to 5.

2)            Instruct the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to develop budget proposals for 2015/16, for submission to Policy & Resources Committee for consideration, comprising:

·                a 5.9% increase in the Brighton & Hove element of the council tax which would trigger a referendum in accordance with Chapter IVZA of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and associated regulations; and

·                a substitute budget assuming a 2% threshold council tax increase  that would come into effect if a referendum rejected a proposed 5.9% increase in council tax.

3)            Require budget proposals to be developed by ELT alongside the creation of a new Corporate Plan for 2015-19, ensuring strong links between the Medium Term Financial Strategy and service and business planning. 

4)            Agree the approach to consultation, engagement and scrutiny as set out in section 5 of this report, which will be designed to shape the new Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy as well as the 2015/16 Budget.

5)            Agree the proposed approach to reviewing the Council Tax Reduction Scheme as set out in paragraphs 3.15 to 3.20.

6)            Note the resource projections for the capital investment programme as shown in appendix 5.