Issue - meetings

Councillor S. Buttar

To agree the net budgeted expenditure and support the overall strategy set out in the report.

Cabinet considered a report on the Outline Budget for the period 2021-22 to 2024-25.

Resolved to:

1.    Agree the net budgeted expenditure (before investment and use of reserves) for 2021-22 be set at a maximum level of £22.1m; and

2.    Support the overall strategy set out in the report for addressing efficiencies and achieving medium term financial sustainability.

Reason for Decision:

Cabinet were satisfied that the report set out the parameters in which a detailed balance for 2021-22 could be worked up and put forward an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy designed to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

To consider the draft budget proposals for the outline budget 2021-2025.

The Deputy Chief Executive introduced the report.

The Chairman explained that she had arranged for the report to come before the Committee to provide an opportunity for all political groups to have greater involvement in the budget process at scrutiny level and to give members the chance to comment put forward their views on the matters to be considered when setting the budget. Unfortunately, due to the pressures of COVID, the Council’s central government funding being agreed just before Christmas meant/. officers could not provide the report any earlier.

The Committee raised a number of queries on specific items which officers responded to at the meeting or agreed to look into and provide a written answer.

Members expressed concern that a press release regarding a proposed Council Tax freeze proposed by the Administration was released prior to the report going through the full reporting process.

The Committee noted that they would have the opportunity to ask further questions at the extraordinary Overview and Scrutiny meeting taking place on 9 February 2021 at which the Administration’s final draft Budget proposals would be available for scrutiny.

The Committee noted the report on the Outline Budget 2021-2025.