To inform Members of the proposed Budget for next year and to fix an appropriate Levy for that year.

1.1 The Committee is currently in the final year of a five-year plan; the main object of this plan was to reverse the deficit budgets of previous years which were in danger of reducing the Committee’s reserves to an unacceptable level.

1.2 Officers consider that the 2005-2006 Statement of Accounts (reported at Item No. 25) shows that this objective has been achieved.

1.3 Early indications are that the Accounts for 2006-2007 will reinforce this opinion.

1.4 Officers now consider that the Budget for 2007-2008 should reflect a consolidation of this improved financial position, with minimal increases except for inflation.

2.2 The post of Environment Officer, which had been vacant for over 4 years, has been partly filled (for the Welsh part of the District) with assistance by way of grant from CCW (Countryside Council for Wales). The assumption has been made that the funding arrangement will be renewed after the initial year.

2.3 The Committee’s contribution to the Superannuation Fund will increase from 13.5% to 16.3%.

2.4 As a Health and Safety measure, many of the Committee’s ageing VHF radios and GPS units will be replaced.

2.5 The rent for the Lancaster offices was due for review in August 2006 – an increase from £13,500 to £15,750 per annum is likely.

2.7 Replacement of inflatable boats and quad bikes, deferred from earlier years, will go ahead.

3.2 Annex B shows the significance that this Levy will have for each of the contributing authorities.