Agenda item

Louise Duffield, Director Resources and Organisational Development introduced the report which asked Cabinet to recommend to Council the draft corporate plan and budget.  She confirmed the agreed process for consulting Members had been followed including at a recent Scrutiny meeting. The scrutiny committee had provided good feedback on a range of issues and had debated the matter of Council tax though they ultimately supported the lower level of 2.75% recommended in these papers. The only change to the papers is that the Local Government funding settlement has been formally announced with detailed amounts for MSDC provided. This resulted in a slight improvement on the projections in this paper resulting in a reduction in the planned draw on treasury management income of £286,000. 

Members noted that Council Tax was one of the lowest in the region. They also discussed parking income and also the noted the Council’s strong management of their finances during challenging times.

Simon Hughes, Director People and Commercial Services confirmed the car park usage had nearly returned to pre-Covid levels if season ticket holders were excluded. He advised the use had increased each year, and current use was above that forecast. This is in line with other authorities where post covid work patterns and town centre use continue to change the use of car parks. The Council will continue to use its data to respond to these changes.

The Director for Resources and Organisational Development confirmed that treasury management income had historically been put into the General Reserve, however in challenging times there would be a need to draw on this income to support the balancing of the budget. As the external financial climate also results in higher returns on our investments, she was confident that the income received will enable a balanced budget. The Audit Committee will receive an update on Treasury Management shortly, and the Council will be recommended to continue to invest prudently paying dividends in the future, noting that trends for the future of interest rates indicate they are likely to level off of fall in the coming year.

A Cabinet Member noted the comprehensive discussion at the scrutiny committee and that no changes had been made to the draft budget. They welcomed the current position of the Council’s strong, prudent financial management and they thanked the Chief Executive and officers for their hard work.

The Leader thanked the scrutiny committee for considering the draft corporate pan and budget. He highlighted that the plan included important projects for local communities, and is a good, sensible approach to a difficult financial environment. With Mid Sussex residents struggling financially a reduced increase in Council Tax which is under the Government cap is helpful.

The Leader noted that no Member wished to speak further and moved to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet recommended to Council the proposals for 2023/24 as set out in the report to the Scrutiny Committee and as amended by this report, specifically:

       i.         The financial outlook facing the Council over the medium term updated for the provisional settlement set out in table 1;

     ii.         The proposed increase in Council Tax of 2.75%;

    iii.         The strategy to use Treasury Management income and then, if needed, General Reserve to balance the budget over the medium term;

    iv.         Updates to the Capital Programme and strategy; and

     v.         The service commentaries and supporting summary budget tables for each

    vi.         service area; and,

   vii.         To note the ongoing membership of the West Sussex Business Rates Pool.