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 There are indications from the actuaries of Lancashire Pension Fund that the average employer target rate could increase by about 5.7% - we have built this increase (about £22,000 a year) into our calculations.

1.4 We expect to be forced to move to new premises early in 2008. An increase in annual rent of up to £4,000 is a possibility. It is also possible that relocation expenditure of at least £5,000 will be required for various items such as removals and computer set-up (particularly if we are no longer on campus at Lancaster University).

1.5 The current year’s Budget provided for only four quarterly meetings of this Committee. An extra £7,000 has been included in the proposed 2008/2009 Budget to cover the possibility of two meetings during the year of the Scientific and Byelaws sub-Committee.

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

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

1.8 To achieve this Budget, a Levy of £843,868 will be required.

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