Decision details

A report which provided the Committee with an update on the budgetary outlook 2017-18 to 2019-20 was considered.  The report contained detail on the assumptions which had been updated and included a timetable for the 2017-18 budget preparation process.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted with concern that the local government settlement is not due to be announced until late December and that this will result in considerable pressure for local authorities in terms of their budget process.

2.    Noted with concern the assumed reduction of 3.3% in funding from the Scottish Government, and the challenging consequences as a result for the council’s future service delivery.

3.    Noted that these circumstances result in considerable uncertainty in relation to future funding towards external spending pressures.

4.    Noted with concern the advice supplied within the updated Budgetary Outlook position for 2017-18 to 2019-20.

5.    Acknowledged that, as a result of the challenging position facing the council as outlined in the points above, work is currently ongoing to identify areas where expenditure can be reduced with future proposals coming forward for consideration by members through the budget process to ensure that the Council complies with its statutory responsibilities and promotes a balanced budget.

6.    Agreed to the budget timetable for 2017-18 as set down in the report at paragraph 4.9.1 in the report to members.

(Reference:  Report by Head of Strategic Finance dated 13 October 2016, submitted and Notice of Motion by Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded by Councillor Ellen Morton, tabled)