COUNCIL

Financial Management Standards

Upholding the provisions of this framework, ensuring that its principles are maintained.

Accounting Policies

Approving the accounting policies recommended by the Section 151 Officer.

The Annual Statement of Accounts

Approving the statutory annual Statement of Accounts.  The Chairman of the meeting at which the Statement of Accounts is approved must sign a certificate to that effect and the Statement of Internal Control which  form part of the accounts.

Performance Plans

Approving Performance Plans

Financial Strategy

Approving the Financial Strategy, including a medium term financial plan, covering a period of a minimum of three financial years

Budget Format

Approving the format of the corporate budget.

Revenue Budget Preparation

Approving the Authority’s budget and Financial Strategy, but may amend either or ask the Cabinet to reconsider them before giving approval.

Capital Expenditure

Approve the inclusion of schemes into the approved Capital Programme.

Reserves

Each year as part of the budget setting process Council will review the appropriate level of general reserves with the guidance of the Section 151 Officer, and also determine the level, utilisation and appropriations to or from reserves.

Set the Council Tax having regard to the Collection Fund Surplus/Deficit.

Treasury Management

Approving the Treasury Management Strategy.

Approving the Prudential Indicators based on the proposed Capital Programme

Staffing

Determining how officer support for executive and non-executive roles within the Authority will be organised.