Contact: Graham Hart, ext 7533

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

i) Approve for submission to the Cabinet as part of the final budget strategy report:

· the base budget for 2002/03 (as set out in Appendix 1 and Annexes 1 to 4)

· the efficiency improvements (as set out in Appendix 2)

· the proposals to increase charges (as set out in Appendix 3)

· the budget for 2002/03 and the revised budget for 2001/02 (as set out in Appendix 4)

· the summarised trading accounts for business units (as set out in Appendix 5).

ii) Incorporating variations to (i) as appropriate to take account of the overall financial position and including such proposals arising from comments made by chief officers in paragraph 5 of the report as the Executive Member for Policy and Resources (the Leader) considers appropriate.

2 Reasons

2.1 The Cabinet have requested:

· that service budgets be prepared in consultation with executive members within budget guidelines, as set out in the report for consideration by policy review committees

· that executive members approve service budgets within the budget guidelines for submission to the Cabinet

· that all executive members identify efficiency improvements achieved in absorbing pressures and costs within the budget guidelines

· that all executive members report back on their annual review of charges and maximisation of income.

3 Other options considered and rejected - not applicable

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - not applicable

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: Date:

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Councillor T K Thornber, CBE