Agenda item

 The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Resources and the Director of Transformation and Partnerships which provided an update on the development of the 2018/19 budget, the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP)(8)) and Council Plan / Service Plans 2018/19 to 2021/22.  The report also considered reviews of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Council Tax discounts and Business Rates Discretionary Rate Relief (for copy see file of minutes).

Cabinet members spoke about the financial outlook of the authority continuing to be challenging, and of the various uncertainties affecting the finances including deterioration of the public finances, brexit, policies to be introduced following the general election, and public sector pay. The achievement of £41m in savings over the next four years which is on top of the savings of over £200m which have already been made will need to be made. Despite the huge cut to finances the authority have still balanced its budget which is commendable to all. It was pointed out that all services would be looked at again to find savings going forward. The Cabinet were delighted however to continue to provide the local council tax reduction scheme, and also the introduction of support for care leavers.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.