This report considers the Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2026/27 and also the Efficiency Plan that has been developed so the Council can qualify for the four-year funding settlement from Government.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2026/27 at Annex A and A(1) of the report, the Efficiency Plan 2016/17 to 2019/20 attached at Annex B of the report be noted and the 100% Business Rate Retention Consultation for 26 September 2016 be noted.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration of the Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2026/27 and also the Efficiency Plan that had been developed so the Council could qualify for the four-year funding settlement from Government.  In order for Councils to sign up to the four-year settlement, the Efficiency Plan needed to be published by October 2016.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To ensure there was a long term financial planning mechanism for the Council.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)        the Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2026/27 attached at Annex A and A(1) to the report be approved;

(2)        the Efficiency Plan 2016/17 to 2019/20 attached at Annex B of the report be approved; and

(3)        the 100% Business Rate Retention Consultation for 26 September 2016 be noted.