Issue - meetings

To consider the draft budget for the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee and make a recommendation to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee considered a report on the draft budget for this Committee.

The Joint Financial Service Manager introduced the report and advised members that a simplified version of the budget had been provided as a supplementary document.

The Committee queried the increase in salaries listed under the Planned Maintenance Programme and were advised that a written explanation would be provided to members.

The Committee requested clarification as to why some cost centres were valued at zero in 24/25 but not for 25/26. The Economic Development Manager advised that this was due to the zero-based budget approach and that for 24/25 some items had been grouped together under one cost code whereas for 25/26 those items had individual cost codes.

The Committee queried the Consultants fees listed under the Spelthorne Youth Hub and were advised this reflected the management arrangement with the Ashford Youth Centre who provide a Manager, an Operations Lead and Skills Coaches and that these staff provide experience and contacts. The Chair echoed the Committees concern over the use of consultants and suggested a review of all consultants should be considered.

The Committee requested information on how the Business Incubator was performing and were advised that it had exceeded the targets set by the Department for Work and Pensions and that quarterly progress reports would be presented to the Committee, with the first due in June.

The Committee requested information on the Staffing Budget for Business, Infrastructure and Growth as well as for the Council as a whole. The Committee were advised that a written response would be provided on the first point, while the second point would be address as part of the wider budget reports being presented to Council on 27 February 2025.

The Committee resolved to:

1. Agree they had reviewed the draft detailed budget for 2025/26 for Business, Infrastructure & Growth Committee and agreed any amendments

2.    Recommend to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to approve the proposed budget.