Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director, Resources and Assistant Chief Executive which provided an update on the development of the 2016/17 budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2016/17 to 2019/20 (MTFP(6)), taking into account forecasts from the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spending Review published on 25 November 2015 (for copy see file of minutes).

Cabinet members commented that the Chancellor’s spending review announcement on 25 November had been further bad news for local government and in particular Durham, and the north east. The further level of unprecedented cuts being imposed would mean further and increasingly more difficult decisions to be made. The council was expecting to receive its provisional financial settlement the day after. Councillor Napier advised of proposals to use reserves to protect front line services as far as possible, and that a further report would come to Cabinet on 13 January 2016.

Resolved:

That the recommendations contained in the report be approved.