Agenda item

The Authority were asked to approve the 2018/19 Budget. It was noted that the budget had been prepared in accordance with the approach to investing in delivery of the Authority’s Corporate Strategy presented to Members on 27 May 2016, and subsequent workshops during 2016 and 2017.

It was noted that the 2018/19 financial year was the 3^rd year of the 4 year settlement from Defra and that £75,000 more a year had been included to accommodate a 2% pay award.

In discussing the report Members sought and received assurances on reserve levels,  welcomed the information on  how corporate costs had been allocated and received an update from the Chief Executive on the proposal in the Government’s 25 year Environment Plan of a 21st Century “Hobhouse” Review of National Parks. Members also received further information about the budget for cultural heritage and a forthcoming discussion at the Resources Management Meeting on staffing resources.

Officers were thanked for a clear budget report and for taking on Member comments on the inclusion of comparative data.

RESOLVED:

1.         To approve the base budget for the 2018/19 financial year shown in Appendix 1 and 2 which incorporate the investment allocations delegated to the Leadership Team, working with the Chief Finance Officer (Authority Minute 20/16 refers) as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.

2.         To note the financial position of the Authority in the period up to March 2020 as explained in paragraph 11 of the report.