45.1 The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive, together with further information received following publication of the Cabinet agenda including a summary of the consultation meeting held with Trade Unions and additional comments from the Place Scrutiny Committee.
45.2 It was RESOLVED to:
1. Recommend the County Council to:
i. Approve in principle the draft Council Plan at Appendix 4 and authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the Plan in consultation with the relevant Lead Members;
ii. Increase Council Tax by 2.99%;
iii. Issue precepts accordingly to be paid by Borough and District Councils in accordance with the agreed schedule of instalments at Appendix 5;
iv. Approve the net Revenue Budget estimate of £375m for 2019/20 set out in Appendix 1 (Medium Term Financial Plan) and Appendix 2 (Budget Summary) and authorise the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Leader and Deputy Leader, to make adjustments to the presentation of the Budget Summary to reflect the final settlement and final budget decisions;
v. Approve the Capital Strategy and Programme for 2018–2023 at Appendix 7;
vi. Note the Medium Term Financial Plan forecast for 2019/20 to 2021/22, set out in Appendix 1;
vii. Note the comments of the Chief Finance Officer on budget risks and robustness, as set out in Appendix 8;
viii. Note the comments from engagement exercises set out in Appendix 9; and
ix. Note the schedule of fees and charges that have increased above inflation at Appendix 6.
2. agree that Chief Officers consult, where appropriate, on the savings proposals set out in Appendix 3
Reason
45.3 The financial challenge the Council faces is considerable and the choices between saving and spending areas are difficult. In making recommendations to Cabinet, officers have tried to be as transparent as possible about their thinking and how they have tried to balance the needs of all residents and businesses in the County for services and the affordability of those services to Council Tax payers.