The Chief Finance Officer presented the report which sought approval of the proposed budget and required level of Council Tax for 2019/20, and proposed a net expenditure budget of £15.251m in 2019/20 (£14.687m in 2018/19).  Subject to any further changes this would result in a Council Tax increase of 2.97% in 2019/20, with the District’s Council Tax being £215.01 for a Band D property for the year (£208.80 in 2018/19), an increase of £6.21.

The report also contained details on the Collection Fund position and an opinion on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the reserves.

The Chief Finance Officer reminded Members that the Council had an excellent track record in identifying, planning for and addressing financial challenges.  In light of the challenging financial position facing all authorities eight years ago, for 2011/12 the Council had produced a 10-year budget together with a savings plan for the first time.  This would be the ninth year this method had been used and provided the Council with a stable basis for future years.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Council that  

a)     the Summary of Council Expenditure and Council Tax for 2019/20 set out in Appendix E be approved;

b)     the 10-year budget 2019/20 to 2028/29 which is the guiding framework for the detailed approval of future years’ budgets set out in Appendix B to the report be approved, including the growth and savings proposals set out in Appendix C-D to the report, and that where possible any variations during and between years be met from the Budget Stabilisation Reserve;

c)      the Capital Programme 2019/22 and funding method set out in Appendix H, be approved; and

d)   the changes to reserves and provisions set out in Appendix J, be approved.