Resolved
(1) That the draft budget in the context of the Council’s service objectives and strategic priorities be approved.
(2) That the balanced budget be approved.
(3) That Full council be recommended to approve a Council tax freeze.
(4) That the proposed 2014-15 capital programme (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.
(5) That agreement be given to use 2013-14 retained business rates of £75,000 to pump prime the business rates support team.
(6) That the draft 5 year strategy, 2014-15 business plan and public pledges, amended as tabled at the meeing (annexes to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be endorsed and authority delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Performance and Customers to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required before final publication in March 2014.
(7) That the 2014-15 Business Plan and Budget Equality Impact Assessment be noted.
(8) That it be noted that the latest MTFS financial forecast was currently being refreshed and would be reported back to the Executive once this exercise had been completed.
(9) That officers be requested to produce the formal 2014-15 budget book on the basis of the report and associated appendices (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book).
(10) That the updated budget be recommended for adoption by the Council on 24 February 2014.
(11) That authority be delegated to the Head of Finance and Procurement, in consultation with Director of Resources and the Lead Member Financial Management to amend the contributions to or from general fund balances to allow the Council Tax increase to remain at the level recommended by Executive to full Council following the announcement of the final settlement figures and as a result of any financial implications arising from resolution (10).