Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Purpose of report

To set out the Budget Process for 2016/17, approve the 2016/17 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers.

To present the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP).

To consider the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

 1.1        Note the updated MTRP for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21.

1.2         Endorse the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process set out in the report.

1.3         Consider and agree the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (Appendices 1 and 2).

1.4         Agree to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and delegate authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the lead member for Financial Management to make the final decision on the scheme.

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

(4)          That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to make the final decision on the scheme.

The Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report to set out the Budget Process for 2016/17, approve the 2016/17 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers. The report also presented the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP) and sought consideration of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17.

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

(4)          That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to make the final decision on the scheme.

Reasons

The Council needs to set guidelines and a timetable for the preparation of draft estimates for 2016/17. These guidelines should support the objectives contained in the Council’s Business Plan, Service Plans and enable an update to the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

From April 2013 Council Tax Benefit was abolished and replaced with a local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Members are now required to agree, for consultation purposes, a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2016-2017 financial year.

Alternative options

Option 1: To disagree with the recommendations. This is rejected as it will unnecessarily delay the formulation of the detailed budget for 2016/17.