A report by the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance set out the Benefits budget for 2012/13 and reviewed the provision and the reserve.

The Cabinet noted that Housing Benefit spend was the largest individual heading within the Council Budget.  It was advised of any changes which impact upon this whilst the budgets, including sums set aside in provisions and reserves, were kept under review to ensure that sums no longer required were released to General Fund balances.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the budget for 2012/13 be agreed;

(2)  the saving in 2012/13 of £1.2 million from implementing the lean review be agreed; and

(3)  the release of £3 million of the Housing Benefit provision and £2 million of the Housing Benefit reserve to General Fund balances be agreed.