Decision details

The Mayor in consultation with cabinet will be asked to consider a report setting out the final proposals for the Council’s Budget Framework and Council Tax levy for 2012/13 along with proposed arrangements for the 2012/13 Corporate Plan

The Mayor in consultation with Cabinet will be asked to agree:

·  The setting of the Council’s General Fund Budget Requirement for 2012/13

·  The Medium Term Budget Strategy

·  The growth items and continued investment in services that meet the needs and requirements of the residents of the borough

·  The reduction of budgets and associated specific Star Chamber 5 savings

·  The Dedicated Schools Budget and the pass-porting of the Pupil Premium in its entirety

·  The emerging pressures and risks

·  A zero increase in the local element of Council Tax for 2012/13

·  The statement on Balances and Reserves

·  To agree Housing Revenue Account and Rent Increase statements

This report set out recommendations for the 2012/13 Council Tax Levy by the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept, and the overall Council Tax Levy for Newham.

It was noted that this was the fourth year in succession that a freeze in Council Tax has been proposed.

Council voted unanimously to agree:

1.  the Mayor’s proposal that the Newham Council element of Council Tax for 2012/13 be frozen at 2008/09 levels.  This results in a Band D level of £945.63, with other bands being as set out below; and

2.  the Statutory Resolution to set the overall Council Tax for the London Borough of Newham for 2012/13 as attached in the Appendix to the report.