Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the budget position for 2019/20 and subsequent years and to seek recommendations on the budget for Full Council. To update the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Efficiency Plan (MTFS) and the Capital Strategy, and to agree any amendments for approval by Full Council.

Cabinet was provided with an update on the budget position for 2019/20 and subsequent years and invited to make recommendations on the budget for Full Council on 28 February 2019. An update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Efficiency Plan (MTFS) and the Capital Strategy, was also provided and Cabinet was asked to agree any amendments for approval by Full Council.

The Cabinet received a technical report from the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive which provided the context for of a number of the recommendations set out in his report. Cabinet also received a report tabled at the meeting from the Leader of the Council which set out the proposed budget and council tax recommendation 2019/20.

Both reports drew on the work undertaken by the Budget Strategy Group, and the Leaders report also drew on issues raised by Scrutiny Boards, when they had scrutinised the budget proposals. Circulated at the meeting was a draft minute from the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board meeting held on 6 February 2019, which the Leader had considered.

In summary the principle issues which were detailed in the reports, and considered by the Budget Strategy Group included:

·   Pressures and mitigating actions from the current year to 2021/22;

·  Updates to the medium term financial strategy (MTFS);

·  Detailed savings proposals for 2021/22;

·  Amendments to previously approved savings proposals for 2019/20 and 2020/21 relating to the Adult Social Care and Health and Managed Growth and Communities portfolios.

On commenting on the proposals the Leader raised the following points:-

Ø  The proposals put forward presented a balanced budget which recognised portfolio savings to support the ongoing funding pressures in certain areas such as Adults and Children’s Services;

Ø  There was a  need to invest more in those services areas where demand was high and difficult to predict, to ensure the needs of the Borough could be met long term;

Ø  The proposals also recognised the need to invest in and support the public realm;

Ø  The Leader referenced the importance of having a healthy growth strategy and the need for business to contribute more through business rates, which were set by the Government and not the Council. However, he cautioned that businesses could also appeal against business rate evaluations;

Ø  In relation to the issues raised by Scrutiny the Leader had considered the concerns of the Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board regarding the proposals to increase car parking charges in Shirley town centre. He also noted that the Resources and Delivering Value Scrutiny Board shared these concerns;

Ø   The Leader was recommending therefore that car parking in Shirley would remain free for the first hour and would then be brought into line with Knowle thereafter. The parking charges in Knowle would be amended to include a free first hour;

Ø  The Leader thanked the Budget Strategy Group for their hard work, and the contributions made by Members at the Budget seminar, the Scrutiny Boards and Officers for their contributions.

The Director of Resources  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9