(Audio Recording and Report WTF279)

The Finance Manager (Strategic Finance) introduced the report which updated Members regarding the Town Forum’s budget for 2020/21 and the current financial projections for the Town Account for the period 2019/20 to 2026/27 and financial sensitivities. The final decision on the level of council tax for 2020/21 will be taken at Full Council in February 2020. The Forum was asked to consider the Town precept and was reminded that they should bear in mind that any decisions will be subject to ‘referendum limits’.

The Finance Manager (Strategic Finance) drew members attention to the recommendations regarding CIL funding and also paragraphs 11.8 through to 11.13 which gave an overview of the Forums budget. The Forum was advised that the public consultation over the wider budget had shown a general level of public support for an overall 3% increase in Council Tax.

The Forum asked questions and raised comments which were addressed by officers accordingly. The Forum agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Forum;

1.            recommends that the Council Tax precept for the Town area be increased by 3% for 2020/21;

2.            approves, in principle, CIL funds of up to £50,000 relating to a new scout facility from Abbotts Barton and Hyde (6^th Winchester) Scout Group

3.            recommends to Cabinet the budget for the Town area for 2020/21 be set in accordance with Appendix A of the report.