Draft 2012/13 to 2014/15 budget pack goes forward to council

Argyll and Bute Council’s draft budget pack for 2012/13 to 2014/15 has taken a significant step forward.

The council’s Executive today agreed to pass the papers to the full council on Thursday, February 16 for debate and decision.

Included in the pack are reports on the corporate and service plans and budget consultation, the revenue budget and the capital budget.

Council leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, moved that the pack be referred directly to council in order to give all members an equal opportunity to ask questions and debate the issues.

“Given the ongoing challenging financial situation which all local authorities are facing, Argyll and Bute decided last year to adopt a strategic, three-year approach to setting our budget.

“The next financial year represents the second year of this approach, and I am confident that the way forward we are proposing will put us in the best possible position to meet the challenges we will undoubtedly face.

“However, getting the budget right is obviously the most critical task which we as councillors face, as it impacts on every single element of our business. As has happened in previous years, therefore, we agreed to pass the papers straight to the full council on February 16 so that every member has the chance to discuss and debate the issue.”