To seek cabinet approval for consulting on plans to reshape the council’s services to meet the financial challenge and current budget proposals for future financial years, as well as the draft proposals available to Herefordshire Council as part of the budget setting process for 2017/18 and out to 2020/21.

THAT:

The council has a legal duty to set a balanced budget and full Council is responsible for approving a budget following recommendations from cabinet in line with the budget and policy framework rules within the constitution.

There is a statutory requirement under section 65 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to consult with representatives of business ratepayers on the proposed budget before its adoption.

It is open to cabinet to amend or revise the proposals, but in doing so regard must be had to ensuring that a medium term financial strategy (MTFS) is available in time for the period 2017/18 to 2020/21 so as to provide a strategic direction for the council.