The annual financial plan shows our budget for the year. It also tells you about our services and explains the basics of local government finance. The summary budget shows just the headline figures with far less detail.
In 2012/13 we plan to spend £1.98bn. The budget has been prepared following consultation with the third sector, the business sector, the Youth Council and the public. It has also been subject to Equality Impact Assessment.
The council's priority continues to be protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, and limiting both price rises and cuts to frontline services. Job creation and providing opportunities for young people is also a key eleiment of the budget, with investment in economic initiatives and major capital projects that will deliver jobs, training and apprenticeships.
To achieve a balanced budget for 2012/13, the council has had to identify significant savings including a further reduction in staffing numbers, cash limiting most running cost budgets and targeted savings from our procurement activity.