Approval of Budget and Council Tax level for 2016-17 and Medium
Term Financial Plan for 2016-19.
The Budget Book and Medium Term Financial Plan (Draft for County
Council) will be considered for approval on 11th February 2016.
Although this is not a key decision as such, the Forward Plan is used as a mechanism to give added transparency to the milestones of the Budget and MTFP process.
The delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan and Annual Budget is listed as a key activity within the Finance and Procurement Business Plan.
The County Council must notify district councils of its share of the Council Tax and the precept needed to fund the budget by the end of February. Notifying districts of the precept earlier than the statutory deadline helps with their financial planning.
Financial Implications: As will be outlined in Budget Book and MTFP
Legal Implications: County Council has a statutory duty to set its budget and Council Tax. The Council’s s151 officer has to give statutory assurance on the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves
Equality Impact:
Date of initial screening to assess the need for a full equality impact statement: October 2015
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 04/01/2016
Decision due: 11 Feb 2016 by County Council
Department: Strategic & Corporate Services
Consultation process
The matter was
not discussed by Cabinet Committees prior to the consultation. The
consultation process will follow a tried and tested methodology
developed over the last two years with no need for further member
consideration.
The final draft budget proposals (including the outcomes from
consultation and the impact on the proposed budget) will be
reported to all Cabinet Committees in January 2016.
Consultees
Has consultation been undertaken or
planned?
Public consultation launched 13th October until 24th November
2015.
Consultation material available on-line (including Council Tax
question, budget modelling tool and free comments section) with
limited print run for those requiring alternative format
Live web chat – date to be confirmed
Staff workshop with T200 group of managers 22nd October 2015
Market research (FACTS International) includes 3 resident workshops
(7th, 11th and 14th November), staff workshop 5th November, and
face to face survey of a sample of 1,000 residents
Business sector workshop 18th November
Voluntary sector workshop 18th November
Kent Youth County Council workshop – date to be
confirmed
Financial implications: Lead Officers: Dave Shipton, Head of Financial Strategy, 03000 419418 dave.shipton@kent.gov.uk Cath Head, Head of Financial Management, 03000 416934 cath.head@kent.gov.uk
Legal implications: 15/00112