Decision - Budget Update and Budget Process 2010/11

Note the changes to the council's resource position.

Agree the budget assumptions for 1010/11.

Agree the budget setting process for 1010/11.

Agree the budget timetable.

1.     That Cabinet notes the resource and expenditure projections for 2010/11 to 2012/13 set out in table 3 in paragraph 3.19.

2.     That Cabinet agrees that the provision for future pay awards becomes a joint provision for both future pay awards and increased pension contributions.

3.     That Cabinet notes the further development of the Value for Money programme set out in paragraphs 3.31 to 3.35.

4.     That Cabinet instructs Directors and relevant Cabinet Members to produce budget strategies to provide their services within the indicative cash limits as set out in appendix 1.

5.     That Cabinet instructs Directors to demonstrate 4% efficiency savings for each year within their budget strategies.

6.     That Cabinet notes the resource projections for the capital investment programme as shown in appendix 2 of this report.

7.     That Cabinet agrees the timetable for budget reports set out in paragraph 3.48.

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 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.