Agenda and minutes

Councillor Adams substituted for Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Clarke substituted for Councillor Smith and Councillor Dabell substituted for Councillor Brunsdon.

Apologies were received from Councillors Brunsdon, Coote, Smith and Stockwell.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

None.

The Chairman introduced the item and reminded Members of the Councils’ priorities when considering the report.  The Leader highlighted the challenges faced by the Council, including the rise of inflation and cost of living crisis. He noted that despite these pressures the Council continued to deliver value for money services to support communities. He noted the proposal for the Treasury Management income be used to close the Budget deficit, recognising that the external pressures driving rising costs also drive our Treasury Management income. He highlighted the rise in Council Tax and confirmed that the draft Budget had been modelled on the lower increase of 2.75%.

Kathryn Hall, Chief Executive, introduced the report noting that since its publication the Local Government Financial Settlement (LGFS) had been announced. She noted the three main areas for debate; confirmation of the proposed 2.75% Council Tax rise as outlined at paragraph 13, the modest increase to Fees and Charges, and the proposed use of Treasury Management income. She also highlighted that this was the first Budget to be considered since pandemic restrictions had been fully lifted.

Section 1: Introduction and Financial Context

Members discussed in detail the key areas. In response to a Member query regarding the Efficiency Programme, the Chief Executive advised that the market had been unable to respond to the Council’s procurement of public realm services and that work is underway to explore an alternative procurement approach given the current difficult market. Members discussed inflation and the Director of Resources and Organisational Development reminded Members the rates were cumulative for the medium term plan and that the key focus was on the budget for the coming financial year (2023/24).

A Member asked for clarity regarding inflation on utilities, the Chief Executive confirmed these were prudent estimated figures, which had been provided by the suppliers. She confirmed that subscriptions had been scrutinised thoroughly. Discussion was held on the cost of postage and ways to reduce costs. For example, a Member raised a point of having Councillor payslips sent electronically which Members agreed was a good idea. The Chief Executive agreed to consider this suggestion and confirmed there had been a huge shift to digitalise services and to provide them online, but reiterated the Councils services must be inclusive and accessible to all.

Members discussed Business Rates Revaluations, noting it was difficult to estimate the impact this would have on business rates due to regional variations. The Director of Resources and Organisational Development noted that these revaluations are not carried out locally but are instead carried out by the Valuations Office nationally. In addition, there is an Appeals process which makes the timing of any financial impact difficult to determine. A Member asked officers to consider issuing a report which considers ways to protect and increase reserve funds. 

Section 2: Service Plans

Members discussed the Service Plans and Summary Budget tables, with the Director for each area providing a summary introduction.

Judy Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive noted on p.16 paragraph 1, should read ‘to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Louise Duffield, Director of Resources and Organisational Development, introduced the report which sets out the schedule of business for the remainder of 2022/23.

As there were no questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation contained in the report, which was agreed unanimously.  

RESOLVED

The Committee agreed the indicative Work Programme as set out at paragraph 5 of the report.

None.