To inform Members of the proposed 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 CCW (Countryside Council for Wales) will continue to offer funding of £20,000 a year towards the post of Marine Biodiversity Officer.

1.3 We expect that, by the time of this meeting, we will have moved to new premises near to Lancaster. We are expecting an increase in annual rent and associated costs (such as rates) of up to £13,000.

1.4 We have continued to provide for the possibility of two meetings during the year of the Scientific and Byelaws sub-Committee.

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

1.6 Some additional provision has been made to reflect the unprecedented rise in fuel prices during 2007 and 2008.

1.7 Otherwise, apart from quite a few instances where a reduction in costs has been projected, an inflationary provision of about 3% has been made.