That Cabinet considers the responses to consultation and recommends to Council:

·       The 2020/21 revenue budget as attached in Appendix I

·       The 2020/21 to 2023/24 capital programme as attached in Appendix J1.

That Cabinet acknowledges that the final budget proposals proposed look to support the priorities of the council and specifically seek to recognise in full, all pay and pension related spending pressures in our schooling system and the increasing demand placed on children’s social care services, adult social care and our children with additional learning needs budgets.

That a 4.95% increase in the Band “D” equivalent Council Tax for the County continues to be used as the planning assumption in the budget model and to apply for County purposes in 2020/21.

That Cabinet approves the revised saving and pressure proposals, updated following public consultation, scrutiny and more up to date information being made available since the draft proposals were released on consultation on 20th December 2019.

That Cabinet recognises the risks concerning an absence of a funding floor in the Final Local Government Settlement, and further steps needing to be taken to manage the remaining budget deficit if this was to materialise.

That Cabinet notes the movements anticipated in respect of earmarked reserves during 2020/21 culminating in forecast earmarked reserve balances of £5.29 million at the end of 2020/21.

That Cabinet approves changes to the draft capital budget proposals and programme for 2020/21 and as outlined in paragraph 3.29.

That Cabinet recommends Council to dispose of assets identified in the exempt background paper at best value.

That Cabinet considers the Responsible Financial Officer’s report on the robustness of the budget process and the adequacy of reserves issued under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 2003

That Cabinet adopts the Responsible Financial Officer’s report on Prudential Indicators.

That Cabinet approves the following:

·       Further work is undertaken to develop a balanced Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) over the 3 year period 2021/22 to 2023/24.

·       Regular review of the MTFP to ensure it remains up to date, and that includes an assessment of evidence based pressures and risks, underlying modelling assumptions and the ongoing affordability implications of the Corporate Plan.