To finalise Cabinet’s recommendations to Council on the budget for 2004/05 and the associated level of Council Tax.

THAT it be recommended to Council that the revenue budget proposals for 2004/05 be based on expenditure of £175,573,000 with a corresponding council tax at Band D of £959.53.

Following the meeting held on 19th February, 2004, the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council together with the Chief Executive and County Treasurer were invited to meet Phil Hope, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the Council’s proposed council tax for the forthcoming year.

THAT it be recommended to Council that the Revenue Budget for 2004/05 be set at £176,433,000, with a consequent Council Tax, at Band D equivalent, of £972.45.