Issue - meetings

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Purpose of report

To set out the Budget Process for 2017/18, approve the 2017/18 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers.

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

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

 1.1        Note the updated MTRP for the Council’s revenue budget for 2017/18 to 2021/22 (Appendix 3)

1.2         Endorse the overall 2017/18 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 2017/18 (Appendices 1 and 2).

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP) for the Council’s revenue budget for 2017/18 to 2021/22 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2017/18 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That, following due consideration, the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2017/18 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

The Chief Finance Officer submitted a report to set out the Budget Process for 2017/18, approve the 2017/18 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers. The report also presented the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP).

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP) for the Council’s revenue budget for 2017/18 to 2021/22 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2017/18 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That, following due consideration, the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2017/18 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

Reasons

The Council needs to set guidelines and a timetable for the preparation of draft estimates for 2017/18. These guidelines should support the objectives contained in the Business Plan, Service Plans and the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

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.