A report by Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reminded Members that Standing Order No.13 provided that he

“shall, prior to the Budget meeting of the Council, consult with the Leaders of each political group and submit to the Cabinet and Council a suggested procedure to be adopted at the budget meeting, but if no such procedure is adopted the normal procedures of the Council in relation to amendments to Cabinet recommendations will apply”.

The Director reported that the Budget meeting clearly was different from ordinary meetings and therefore the procedure that was proposed was based largely on that used since 2008, the relevant sections of the Constitution, and one or two suggestions made in the light of comments made in previous years.  It was set out in the appendix to the report.  The Director advised that the reference in the appendix to the date of this Cabinet meeting needed to be amended to today’s date.

The Director informed that any alternative budget proposals must be lodged with him by 12 noon on 27 February 2012.

RESOLVED:

That the Budget Council procedure be approved with the amendment reported by the Director.