Issue - meetings

To seek approval to recommendations from the Executive contained in the attached report of the Chief Finance Officer (Introduced by the Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets)) and within the appendices listed below.

a)      Approve the budget and proposals set out in this report, including the level of Council Tax as set out in the Formal Council Tax Resolution, including Parish Precepts, for 2022/23, at Appendix A;

b)      Note the advice of the Chief Finance Officer in relation to the robustness of the estimates within the overall budget, including the risks contained within it and the adequacy of the proposed level of financial reserves, as set out in the Statutory Report at Appendices B1 – B3;

c)      Approve the council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) at Appendix C;

d)      Note the council’s forecast Cumulative Budget Deficit and Budget Strategy 2021-22 to 2024-25 at Appendix D;

e)      Note the analysis of the movement in the 2022/23 Budget from the position approved by Council in February 2021 at Appendix E;

f)       Approve the capital programme for 2021/22 to 2024/25 (Appendices F1, F2 & F3);

g)      Approve the Capital Strategy at Appendix G;

h)      Approve the Treasury Management Strategy at Appendix H and note the advice of the treasury management consultants at Appendix H1;

i)       Approve the council’s Pay Policy at Appendix I for publication on the council’s website from April 2022;

j)       Note the budget consultation 2022/23 Report at Appendix J;

k)      Note the Assessing the Impact of Budget Proposals 2022/23 Report at Appendix K.

The Mayor advised that one vote would cover the Budget, Council Tax setting and all other issues covered within the report and appendices.

The Executive Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented the Cabinet’s Budget Strategy and proposals for the Revenue Budget 2022/23, together with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Capital Programme for 2022-2025. 

Councillor Tomlinson thanked the Labour and Liberal Democratic Groups and officers for their hard work and input into the proposed budget.

Councillor Tomlinson referred to the achievements of the council since the administration took control and the plans within the Corporate Strategy which would be delivered by the proposed budget, including a freeze on council tax in 2022/23. 

The proposals included a freeze on council tax in 2023/24 and a 1.99% increase in council tax in 2024/25, although these proposals would be revisited each year as part of the budget setting process and be dependent upon the outcome of the government’s reviews of both the future funding framework and the future distribution of funding between councils.

Councillor Tomlinson explained that proposals set out a balanced budget for 2022/23 and, based on current assumptions, forecasts deficits of £0.619m for 2023/24 and £0.732m for 2024/25.  However, the council was ambitious in its approach to meeting the budget deficit through generating efficiency savings, such as those already realised through shared services, and additional income generated through investments within the borough.

The council was expanding its capital programme with large scale investments included in the budget over the coming three years.

The proposals ensure the objectives of the council’s Corporate Strategy priorities would be met;

An exemplary council – continue to work with our residents to address climate change and achieve our commitment of being a carbon neutral council by 2030

Thriving communities – providing support and grants for businesses and developing our approach to apprenticeships, graduate and training posts in areas of high market demand and supporting people into high quality employment;

A fair local economy that works for everyone – investing in our local play and community facilities, supporting the delivery of affordable homes and improving our leisure centres;

Good homes, green spaces, healthy places - making improvements across the Borough, supporting our young people, health and wellbeing and local areas

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton, explained that the Conservative Group had prepared a statement regarding the proposed budget.  On behalf of the Group she thanked the staff at the council and the residents of the borough for their contributions during a difficult time.  The Conservative Group were supportive of the proposal for 0% council tax increase and some of the proposals, but expressed concern regarding the level of debt being taken on.  Councillor Walton requested a copy of the letter received by the council from Michael Gove.  Councillor Michael Green echoed some of the comments made by Councillor Walton.

Several members spoke in favour of the proposals, including Councillors Ange Turner, Will Adams, Keith Martin, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Michael Titherington  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110