Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Butt, Hernandez and Thomas (J).

At the invitation of the Chairwoman, the Monitoring Officer reminded members of the dispensation granted in respect of members’ interests in relation to the setting of the Council Tax and matters relating to Council controlled companies where members were appointed as unpaid directors by the Council.

The following non-pecuniary interests were declared:

To consider the recommendations of the Mayor on the Revenue Budget proposals for 2015/2016.

Further to the meeting of the Council held on 5 February 2015, Members considered the recommendations of the Mayor in relation to the Revenue Budget 2015/16, the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan, as set out in the submitted report.

In accordance with legislation, the Chairwoman advised recorded votes would be taken on the motion and amendments.

It was proposed by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor Mills:

(a)      That it be recommended to Council:

(i)       that the revenue budget for 2015/16 (paragraph 4.15 to the submitted report) and the associated fees and charges be approved;

(ii)       that a contingency of £1.4m be created to mitigate against any unforeseen or emerging budget pressures that may arise within Social Care and other services;

(iii)      that due to the timing of and deliverability of savings within Adult Social Care, the £1.566m saving for joint working, shared commissioning, new income and efficiencies is deferred for one year and delivered in 2016/17;

(iv)      in response to the government announcement as to the amount they expect local authorities to receive for Welfare Assistance (Crisis Support Fund) the Council makes budget provision of £0.4m for the continuation of this scheme in 2015/16 and future years;

(v)      that the final notified Dedicated Schools Grant be used in accordance with the nationally laid down Schools Financial Regulations (paragraph 6.5 to the submitted report) and that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to make amendments as required when the final figures are confirmed;

(vi)      that the Members’ Allowances Scheme be implemented in 2015/2016 in accordance with the decision of the Council at its meeting on 1 February 2012 in line with the announced annual local government pay percentage increase (paragraph 6.1 (b) to the submitted report);

(vii)     that the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Mayor and Executive Lead Member for Finance be authorised to approve or earmark expenditure from the Comprehensive Spending Review Reserve;

(viii)    that in accordance with the requirement of the Local Government Act 2003, to consider and note the advice given by the Chief Finance Officer with respect to the robustness of the budget estimates and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves (sections 7 to 9 to the submitted report);

(ix)     that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Mayor and Executive Lead Member for Finance, be authorised to make adjustments to and introduce new fees and charges within the budget during 2015/16 if it is in the best interest for the Council;

(x)      that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Mayor, Executive Lead Member for Finance and appropriate officers, be authorised to determine the allocation and expenditure of any new grant monies, unallocated grants, underspends or other additional income that may be received during the year 2015/16;

(xi)     that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to make adjustments to the budgets for any technical changes;

(xii)     that the Chief Finance Officer prepare the appropriate documentation for the Council to approvethe setting of Council Tax at the meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.