Decision details

(i)  To note the position on the estimated outturn and revised budget for 2015/16 as set out in paragraphs 3 to 17 and Appendix 4.

(ii)  To note the position on the forecast roll forward budget for 2016/17 as set out in paragraphs 18 to 49 and Appendix 8.

(iii)  To note and approve the arrangements made by the Leader, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, for the Cabinet Member for Finance to have responsibility for financial management and budgetary policies and strategies, and that the Cabinet Member for Finance will, in accordance with the Budget & Policy Framework Rules as set out in the Council’s Constitution, be authorised to finalise the Executive’s proposals in respect of the Budget for 2016/17, in consultation with the Leader, for submission to Full Council on 10 February 2016.

(iv)  To note the consultation on the Executives draft proposals will commence on the 11 February and note the consultation proposals and methodology as set out in paragraphs 91 to 97 and Appendix 2 of this report.

(v)  To note the Executive’s savings proposals put forward for consultation in Appendix 6 which amount to £8.6M.

(vi)  To approve and recommend to Council where appropriate, the General Fund Revenue Budget changes as set out in Council recommendations (i)-(xv)

It is recommended that Council:

(i)  Notes the budget consultation process that was followed as outlined in Appendix 1.

(ii)  Notes the budget consultation process for the new budget proposals that will be followed as per Appendix 2.

(iii)  Notes that the consultation feedback has been taken into consideration by the Cabinet and has informed their final budget proposals.

(iv)  Notes the Equality and Safety Impact Assessment process that was followed as set out in paragraphs 95 to 97 and the details contained in Appendix 3 which reflect the feedback received through the consultation process.

(v)  Approves the revised estimate for 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 4.

(vi)  Notes the position on the forecast roll forward budget for 2016/17 as set out in paragraphs 18 to 49.

(vii)  Approves the revenue pressure as set out in Appendix 5.

(viii)  Approves the use of balances and reserves to ensure a balanced budget in the event any of the budget proposals contained within Appendix 6 are not progressed following consultation. This will be until such a time alternative proposals are identified as per paragraph 61 to 62.

(ix)  Approves the savings proposals as set out in Appendices 6 and 7.

(x)  Approves the General Fund Revenue Budget 2016/17 as set out in Appendix 8, which assumes a council tax increase 2% representing the increase for the Adult Social Care Precept.

(xi)  Delegates authority to the Section 151(S151) Officer to action all budget changes arising from the approved pressures, savings and incorporating any other approved amendments into the General Fund estimates.

(xii)  Notes that after taking these items into account, there is an estimated General Fund balance of £8.9M at the end of 2016/17 as detailed in paragraphs 79 to 86.

(xiii)  Delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, to do anything necessary to give effect to the recommendations in this report.

(xiv)  Sets the Council Tax Requirement for 2016/17 at £81M as per Appendix 9.

(xv)  Notes the estimates of precepts on the Council Tax collection fund for 2016/17 as set out in Appendix 10. 

(xvi)  Delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer to implement any variation to the overall level of Council Tax arising from the final notification of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority precept and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire precept.

The Constitution requires the Executive to recommend its budget proposals for the forthcoming year to Full Council.  The recommendations contained in this report set out the various elements of the budget that need to be considered and addressed by the Cabinet in preparing the final papers that will be forwarded to Council.

Alternative options for revenue spending form an integral part of the development of the overall Budget Strategy that will be considered at the budget setting meeting on 10February 2016.  Alternative options may be drawn up by opposition groups and presented at the same meeting.