To recommend the approach for consultation to inform the 2020/21 budget and developing the medium term financial strategy (MTFS).

Cabinet is required to publish its timetable for making proposals to Council for the adoption of the MTFS, its capital budget and setting a revenue budget, and its arrangements for consultation after publication of those initial proposals.

In addition, that the proposed timetable and approach for consultation and production of the new four year Corporate Plan is considered and agreed.

That:

(a)        the proposed timetable for the development and adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the 2020/21 budget be approved;

(b)        the approach for consulting on budget proposals for 2020/21  as set out in paragraphs 12 to 17 be approved; and

(c)        the timescales and proposals for engagement on the council’s priorities for a new corporate plan be approved.

It is open to Cabinet to propose alternative timetable and consultation arrangements, but in doing so regard must be had to the council’s budget and policy framework procedure rules, the legislative requirements for Council to approve a budget and the constitutional requirement for the council to have a corporate plan setting out the objectives of the organisation.

Alternative options include;

·       a single consultation window as in previous years, predicated on the current MTFS; this option would allow for limited review of spending and council priorities,

·       undertake two formal consultation windows; the first consulting on officers’ suggested budget and priorities for Cabinet to evaluate before issuing a second consultation on the Cabinet’s proposed budget; delivery of this option before the statutory budget deadline would be challenging.

Cabinet may wish to consider outsourcing the consultation entirely; this would however have a financial implication outlined below.