Budget Scrutiny
To discuss the timing and approach to be taken to the scrutiny of the 2012/2013 budget proposals.
Minutes:
The Council was facing some difficult budgetary years and the Chairman indicated that the scrutiny of proposals should not just be a rubber-stamping exercise but wherever possible should endeavour to protect front line services to residents.
The Borough Treasurer advised that there was an approximate £6million funding gap next year. The Council would endeavour to maximise efficiency savings but a gap of this size would however lead to staffing cuts.
The budget proposals would be published on 5 December and a six week consultation period would commence on 14 December. The Borough Treasurer suggested the Commission and Panels may wish to look at budgets at a strategic level in addition to the operational details of frontline service levels. The Chairman encouraged Panels to consider the impact of inflation when scrutinising the budget proposals.