Financial planning and budgeting

Corporate Plan
The Corporate Plan sets out the Council’s vision, strategic objectives, medium term aims and one year improvement priorities alongside a framework for delivery. It provides the strategic direction for departments which are responsible for delivering the Council’s objectives through their departmental plans.
Corporate Plan

Medium Term Financial Strategy
Effective service planning and financial planning are essential to the delivery of the objectives in the Corporate Plan. The Medium Term Financial Strategy supports the Corporate Plan by giving a longer term overview of the financial issues. This helps with the allocation of the resources needed to deliver the Council’s objectives and priorities.
Medium Term Financial Strategy (as approved by Cabinet on 13th October 2011)

Capital strategy
The Capital Strategy aims to provide a longer term overview of the investment requirements to help with the allocation of resources needed to deliver the Council’s objectives and priorities.
Capital Strategy (as approved by Cabinet on 13th October 2011)
 
Council budget
Every year the Council formulates a budget. This aims to provide financial stability and long term prosperity while delivering services within affordable limits. The budget setting process passes through a number of stages and takes account of factors such as funding available from the Government and local taxpayers, key local priorities and changes in legislation.
Budget Resolution (as approved by Cabinet on 21 February 2011)
 
Budget book (Estimates)
A proposed budget (also known as the Estimates) is approved by Members at the end of February or beginning of March. Every year the Council publishes an Estimates book setting out, in detail, the agreed budget for the forthcoming financial year.

The budget proposal provides further detail and amendments such as additional policy options or savings agreed to the original Estimates.
Estimates Book 2011-12

Budget Monitoring
These reports are produced and coordinated by the Corporate Performance Team with input from Finance.
Budget Monitoring 2011/12 quarter 2 report (as reported to Cabinet on 3rd November 2011)

Council Tax
After the Estimates and budget are agreed the level of the Council Tax is set. The Council Tax Explained booklet is produced each year and sent to all Council tax payers. You can dowload the Council Tax Explained 2012-2013 booklet.

More information about Council Tax is available elsewhere on this website.