Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Operational Director – Financial Services outlining the budget, capital programme and council tax for 2007/08 to be recommended to Council.

            It was noted that, since the report had been written and circulated, the Police Authority and Fire Authority had set their precepts at an increase of 6.9% and 1.5% respectively. Members were advised that, at this level, there was a risk that the Police Authority would be capped. If this happened, there would be implications for the Council, as the billing authority, in terms of any re-billing required.

            The Corporate Services Portfolio Holder thanked those officers and Councillors involved in producing what was considered to be an excellent budget, particularly in light of the tough Local Government Finance Settlement received.

            In addition, the Board gave consideration to the motion, referred to it by Council the previous evening under Standing Order No. 6(4), outlining proposed amendments to the budget by the Liberal Democrat Group.

            RESOLVED: That

(1)       the Council adopt the resolution set out in Appendix A, which includes setting the budget at £95.041m and the Band D Council Tax for Halton (before Parish, Police and Fire precepts) of £1,043.45; and

(2)       the mover and seconder of the Motion submitted by the Liberal Democrat Group to Full Council on 21^st March 2007, and referred to the Executive Board under Standing Order No. 6(4), be afforded the opportunity by Full Council to resubmit the Motion as an amendment to the substantive Budget Motion.