The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance reported upon the projected budgets for 2012-2015, which had been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting held on 3 November 2011 (minute 174 refers). The report set out the assumptions that underpinned the budget projections and provided detail on grant negotiations, other legislative issues, balances, agreed savings and relevant risks. The budget projections set out in an appendix to the Director’s report represented the most likely outcome from a wide range of available options and indicated a shortfall of £22.6m in 2012/2013, £30.8m in 2013/2014 and £46.9m in 2014/2015. The Government was consulting on a number of options which would impact on the budget projections and the Director confirmed that he responded to all consultation to try to ensure the best outcome for Wirral.

In response to a comment from a Member, the Director commented upon the processes that were in place for dealing with the issues in relation to the budget projections and confirmed the requirement for the Council budget to be set by 10 March 2012. The Director commented that it was a matter for the administration as to how savings would be made and he indicated that the process would be informed by the results of the You Choose Budget Simulator consultation process. The consultation was due to close on 30 November 2011 and he expected an initial analysis to be presented to the next meeting of the Cabinet.

Resolved –

(1)  That the budget projections be noted and be regularly reviewed.

(2)  That the preliminary results of the You Choose Budget Simulator consultation process be shared with the Chair and group spokespersons as the analysis becomes available.