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

1.1 The Budget (see Annex A) has been calculated using the following criteria:-

1.2 It has been assumed that running of the Sea Fisheries in North Wales will be taken over by the Welsh Assembly.

1.3 It has been assumed for the purposes of the Budget, that enforcement and scientific staff working in Wales at present will be transferred to the Welsh Assembly. However, no formal job offers have yet been made, and all staff may have the option to remain as employees of the Committee.

1.4 A Draft Budget has been prepared for the running of the North Western part of the district during 2010/2011, prior to the introduction of IFCAs in 2011/2012. The loss of Levy from the Welsh part of the district presents a problem for the efficient running of the English part, since a lot of economies of scale will be lost. For example, the whole cost of the Carnforth office and staff will have to be met from less than half the usual Levy. Also reorganisation itself has a significant cost in stationery, websites etc.

1.5 The patrol vessel, ‘Aegis’, and the crew, have been calculated as a separate Budget.

1.6 Replacement of inflatable boats and quad bikes has been limited to one of each during 2010/2011

1.7 An inflationary provision of about 2.5% has been made in preparation of the budgetary funding required. However, in recognition of the financial pressures on local authorities, levy contributions have been kept the same as 2009/2010 for the English contributory councils. It is proposed that the shortfall be requested from DEFRA, who have funding to cover the reorganisation period and transfer over to IFCAs.

1.8 It is proposed to review the Draft Budget at the December meeting of the Committee, when it is hoped that more concrete proposals from Welsh Assembly and DEFRA will facilitate a better view of the financial implications for 2010/2011.

1.9 Rates for charging to outside bodies have been reviewed (required annually). These increased on 1 October 2008, and in the current financial climate, no further increase is considered appropriate. They will be reviewed again at the start of the next financial year.

2.1 A Levy of £402,956 will be required from the contributing English Councils, representing no increase on the 2009/10 figure. To achieve the Budget for 2010/2011, a contribution is expected to be made by DEFRA.

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