Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the Draft Budget Proposal for 2008/09 (stapled separately).  

(Time: 3.02pm to 3.12pm)

The Executive received and considered the draft budget proposals for 2008/09.  This draft budget was the same as the version submitted to and considered at length by the Strategic Review Committee on 22 January 2008.  The budget preparation had been a challenging exercise, with large increases in the Council's contribution to the Pension Fund necessary in 2008/09 and the ongoing Government requirement to make annual 3% efficiency savings. 

It was noted that there would be minor changes before the final budget was proposed to the Council meeting on 27 February 2008.  These changes would include detail on how the further £135,000 savings would be achieved.  The Leader of the Council had a general delegation to make changes to the draft budget before it was proposed in its final form to the Council. 

The Opposition Group was urged to submit any alternative budget proposals for consideration well before the Council meeting.  Any change to the budget would have to be considered by the Section 151 Officer and be analysed to confirm that it was robust and sustainable.  The Leader stated that he would not consider it acceptable for uncosted verbal amendments to the budget to be put forward during debate during the course of the Council meeting. 

It was noted that the intention was to make the Council's budget more sustainable in future years by not drawing on balances.  To do this it was intended to review the Council's property portfolio during 2008/09. 

Members thanked the officers involved in the production of the budget to date. 

RESOLVED

that the draft budget proposal for 2008/09 be noted.