3(1)After the Mayor has prepared the draft component budgets under paragraph 2 above, he shall prepare a draft of his proposed consolidated budget for the financial year (the “draft consolidated budget”).E+W+S
(2)Before finally determining the contents of the draft consolidated budget, the Mayor shall consult—
(a)the Assembly, if paragraph (b) below does not apply, or
(b)if the Assembly has so resolved, such committee or other representatives of the Assembly as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the resolution,
and (in either case) such other bodies or persons as appear appropriate to the Mayor.
(3)The Mayor shall—
(a)present the draft consolidated budget to the Assembly at a public meeting of the Assembly; and
(b)publish it in such manner as he may determine.
(4)It shall be the duty of the Mayor to comply with paragraph 2 and sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) above on or before 1st February in the financial year preceding that to which the draft consolidated budget relates.