To consider the strategic budget issues for 2010/11 onwards including the revenue and capital spending programme and to give any early view on the level of Council Tax increase. 

1.  That the current Medium Term Financial strategy as set out in Appendix B of the report of Management Team be noted and that it be updated in line with best practice to integrate service and financial planning for the next 3 year planning period.

2.  That the levels of council tax set out in Appendix F of the report of Management Team be used for budget planning purposes but the final council tax level will be set as low as possible.

3.  That the “Most Likely” scenario set out in Appendix F of the report of Management Team forms the basis of the need to identify savings of £1.4 million in 2010/11 and that officers work with Cabinet Members to present proposals for savings at the December Cabinet meeting.

4.  That the current Capital Programme be noted.

5.  That the use of public consultation to inform the budget strategy be supported and that officers bring a report setting out the most effective consultation methods to the next Cabinet meeting.

6.  That the timetable for the 2010/11 Budget Strategy, as set out below, be approved.

Internal Communication/Report to Management Team