To provide an updated budget position for 2013/14 and confirm the current financial planning assumptions as well as the approach being taken around the Root and Branch process for budget setting.

THAT:

(a)             the current position be noted;

(b)             it be confirmed that a Council tax increase of 1.9% can be assumed for budget and planning purposes which will be ring fenced for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services as part of bridging the budget gap: and

(c)             the scrutiny committees be requested to look at  the People’s Services directorate budget plans to ensure it is robust and deliverable.

The recommendations are to note the current position and also indicate the council tax planning assumptions required in order to set the budget.

There are Alternative Options that centre on increasing council tax by more than our current assumption. This would trigger a referendum, with associated costs.