Decisions for issue General Fund Budget and Resources Update 2023/24

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

(i)             Noted the Legal Advice regarding the setting of the Budget and Council Tax in Section 8 and Appendix 1 and noted that this will be provided to all councillors for the Budget Council meeting.

(ii)            Agreed the Budget Protocol set out in Section 7 of the report.

(iii)          Noted the latest interim forecast for 2022/23, indicating a General Fund outturn overspend of £10.601m.

(iv)          Noted the latest resource position for 2023/24 indicating an overall budget shortfall of £20.929m with a remaining budget gap of £8.333m to be addressed in order to achieve a balanced budget.

(v)           Noted the Guideline Criteria and Budget Categorisation information used to inform the development of budget options, including savings proposals.