Decision - Budget Update & Budget Process Report 2012/13

(1)         That Cabinet notes the resource and expenditure projections for 2012/13 to 2014/15 set out in table 3, paragraph 3.27.

(2)         That Cabinet instruct Directors and relevant Cabinet Members to produce options for working within a budget allocation over the next 2 years of -5%, -10% and -15% based on their 2011/12 adjusted budget as exemplified in appendix 1.

(3)         That Cabinet notes the resource projections for the capital investment programme as shown in appendix 2.

(4)         That Cabinet agrees the timetable for budget reports set out in paragraph 3.52.

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

The budget process allows all parties to put forward viable budget amendments and council tax proposals to Budget Council on 27^th February 2012. Budget Council has the opportunity to debate both the proposals put forward by Cabinet at the same time as any viable alternative proposals.