Councillor Phil Davies introduced a report by the Director of Resources that set out the process to deliver a Council Budget (revenue and capital) for 2015/16 and forecast Budgets for the following years 2016/17 – 2017/18 for agreement by Council in February 2015 and the latest financial projections from the Medium Term Financial Strategy.  This built upon the Future Council Project Update presented to Cabinet on 19 June 2014.

Councillor P Davies indicated that the Council had been presented with a lot of financial difficulties with a 70 million funding gap to fund, but would continue to protect front line services.

He further indicated that all budget proposals would be measured against the Council’s corporate priorities and that the Corporate Plan would be subject to a review; the Future Council project would be key to remodelling the Council.

Councillor P.Davies indicated that the Council would have to look at a reduction within its workforce, but he had given assurances to the Trade Unions that where possible this would be on a voluntary basis. He would continue to work with the Trade Unions.

Councillor P.Davies concluded that in relation to the cost of living pressures it was the intention of the present administration to freeze Council Tax as detailed within the report.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the Corporate Plan be reviewed and agreed by Council to provide the basis of the 2015/16 Budget;

(2)  recommendations on the Council Budget be considered by Council in December 2014 and February 2015.