To recommend to Council the proposed 2022/23 budget and associated medium term financial strategy and treasury management strategy for recommendation to Council 11 February.

The proposed budget reflects current and expected service delivery requirements and the provisional local government settlement announced on 16 December 2021. Overall the base budget for 2022/23 is proposed to increase to fund budget pressures. Savings of £2.6m are required in 2022/23 and an increase in council tax of 2.99% (inclusive of 1% adult social care precept) is proposed to deliver a balanced budget.

The draft medium term financial strategy (MTFS), attached at appendix A, has been updated to reflect current assumptions on future years funding and service requirements in line with the County Plan.

The treasury management strategy, attached at appendix D, includes the proposed borrowing and investment strategy, the council’s expected minimum revenue provision and the associated prudential indicators which demonstrate that the council’s proposed capital investment budget is affordable, prudent and sustainable.