This report presents a draft Revenue Budget for 2022/23 and seeks approval to go out to consult residents and statutory stakeholders upon it.  A final budget report will be presented in February with the results of the consultation, the final local government financial settlement identifying central government support and the overall level of reserves.  This will form the basis of the Council Tax report to February Council.

In accepting the recommendations,  Cabinet will approve the draft revenue budget in this report for consultation with residents and statutory partners.  This will commence after the meeting finish in early January.  The detail will be reported to February Cabinet when the final budget will be approved and recommended to Council.

The subject of the decision:

This report presented a draft Revenue Budget for 2022/23 and sought approval to go out to consult residents and statutory stakeholders upon it.  A final budget report would be presented in February with the results of the consultation, the final local government financial settlement identifying central government support and the overall level of reserves.  This would form the basis of the Council Tax report to February Council.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

It is a legal requirement under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to set a balanced budget and monitor progress.  This report was the first stage of that process.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves the draft revenue budget in this report for consultation with residents and statutory partners.  The detail will be reported to February Cabinet when the final budget will be approved and recommended to Council.