The Director of Finance reported upon the latest position regarding the amounts held in the Housing Benefit provision and reserve and recommended the release of £1.5 million to the General Fund Balance. The report also set out the projected Benefits budget requirements for 2010-11.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  having regard to the risk involved, the sum of £1.5 million of the Housing Benefit reserve and provision be returned to the General Fund Balance; and

(2)  having regard to the significant increase in Housing and Council Tax Benefit claimants and the improvements to maximise Benefits Subsidy, the net increase of £1,170,000 million be included within the Council budget for 2010/11.