Decision details

Recommended:-  That the Council be asked to:-

·             Approve as set out in this report the proposals for a balanced revenue budget for 2016/17 and the impact of the budget proposals in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

·             Approve the investment proposals as set out in the budget report (Appendix 2) noting that some of this investment is required to address inherent budget pressures and some is required to provide scope for growth and improvement.

·             Approve the proposed use of Reserves as set out in this report.

·             Note and accept the comments and advice of the interim Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services (Section 151 Officer), provided in compliance with Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, as to the robustness of the estimates included in the Budget and the adequacy of reserves for which the Budget provides.

·             Note the consultation feedback from the public and partners following publication of Directorate budget savings proposals on the Council’s website for public comment through to 12^th February 2016 (Section 5 of this report and Appendix 3).

·             Approve the proposed use of Capital Receipts to fund the first £2m of severance costs arising from service reconfiguration to deliver efficiencies and improved outcomes for clients and residents. See Efficiency Strategy (Appendix 4).

·             Note the planned review of Habershon House Outdoor Education Centre which will report back to Cabinet in June 2016 (Paragraph 3.27).

·             Approve:-

o      An increase in the basic amount of Council Tax (i.e. the Borough’s element excluding precepts) of 3.95% - this being comprised of a 2% precept for Adult Social Care services (a new precept announced in the provisional settlement in December 2015 for Authorities with Adult Social Care responsibilities) and a 1.95% increase in  the Council’s own basic level of Council Tax.

oThat the precept figures from South Yorkshire Police Authority, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the various Parish Councils and Parish Meetings within the Borough be incorporated, when known, into the recommendation to the Council on 2^nd March, 2016.