Agenda item

Cabinet Member: Finance & Property

Forward Plan Ref: 2010/046

Contact: Lorna Baxter, Assistant Head of Finance Tel: (01865) 323971

Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA7).

This is one in a series of reports on the Service and Resource Planning process for 2011/12 to 2015/16, providing councillors with information on budget issues for 2011/12 and the medium term. It follows on from reports to Cabinet on 21 September and 16 November 2010 and to Scrutiny Committees on 20 December 2010.  The report provides an update on the Service & Resource Planning process, sets out the Business Strategies for all directorates along with proposed savings for the period 2011/12 - 2014/15 and the review of charges for 2011/12. The strategies set out a direction of travel for the Directorates over the medium term in the context of reduced funding. They pull together the strands of work that comprise the Council’s Business Strategy, and ensures that with such high levels of change being managed that there is a single focussed overview.

The Council is required under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to set a budget requirement for the authority and an amount of Council Tax.  This report contains information to be considered in leading to the budget requirement and Council Tax being agreed in February 2011.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)               Note the report and that an addenda will be produced following the publication of the Draft Local Government Finance Settlement;

(b)              Agree the revenue prioritisation principles set out in Annex 3;

(c)               In relation  to the review of charges:

(1)                                       Note those charges prescribed by legislation;

(2)                                       Approve those charges where there is local discretion as set out in Annex 4;

(3)                                       Approve those charges for which an increase will commence before April 2011.

(d)              Agree the use of £2.4m of the insurance reserve for alternative purposes in 2011/12;

(e)               Agree the capital prioritisation principles set out in paragraph 37.

Cabinet considered the latest in a series of reports on the Service and Resource Planning process for 2011/12 to 2015/16, providing councillors with information on budget issues for 2011/12 and the medium term. The report provided an update on the Service & Resource Planning process, sets out the Business Strategies for all directorates along with proposed savings for the period 2011/12 - 2014/15 and the review of charges for 2011/12.

Councillor Brighouse, speaking as a local member expressed her gratitude that it was being recommended that capital funding had been released for Bayards Hill School.

Ms Chaundy spoke of the experiences of young carers, their hard work and feelings of isolation. The project to allow such young carers to come together was invaluable to them and she asked that funding continue.

The Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer referred to the additional information and recommendations contained in the supplementary report.

Councillor Kieron Mallon highlighted to Cabinet the information contained in Annex 6 setting out the overall equality impact assessment. It was noted that this document would continue to be developed as proposals progressed.

Councillor Heathcoat responding to questions asked earlier in the meeting on the library proposals referred to Annexes 2c and 6. She commented that shorter opening hours would not lead to the required savings as there would still be maintenance and staffing costs. Professional library staff would be in place until the project was concluded. Councillor Heathcoat added that she was happy to attend local meetings with officers as necessary and to work with locally elected members and small groups representing the local community.

Cabinet Members placed o record their thanks to the Directors and financial team who had worked very hard to produce the paperwork.

Councillor Fatemian referred to the comments from Ms Chaundy and although unable to speak to the specifics he emphasised that there were no cuts in funding for the carer services.

RESOLVED:            to:

(a)          Note the report and that an addenda will be produced following the publication of the Draft Local Government Finance Settlement;

(b)          Agree the revenue prioritisation principles set out in Annex 3;

(c)           In relation  to the review of charges:

(1)                   Note those charges prescribed by legislation;

(2)                   Approve those charges where there is local discretion as set out in Annex 4;

(3)                   Approve those charges for which an increase will commence before April 2011.

(d)          Agree the use of £2.4m of the insurance reserve for alternative purposes in 2011/12;

(e)           Agree the capital prioritisation principles set out in paragraph 37.

(f)            that the provisional settlement be noted and representation is made to the Secretary of State over the Concessionary Fare;

(g)           that a further target of £4.0m be added to 2011/12 due to the shortfall in funding on concessionary fares; and

(h)          the current savings targets be maintained for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

Receive and note Annex 6, the Overarching Equality Impact Assessment.