Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the Budget, Fees and Charges, Revenue Growth and Savings for 2025/26 under the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee’s remit as part of the annual budget process. The committee were asked to consider all proposals and recommend them to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee. The report highlighted the need for a robust budget planning process to ensure financial sustainability and addressed the significant inflation in food and fuel costs impacting services which included Meals on Wheels. The Deputy Chief Executive introduced each aspect of the Committee’s budget separately and invited comments on this basis. It was initially clarified that there were no capital bids received for this committee and It was explained that the particular focus was on discretionary fees, with a proposed 4% uplift, rounded to the nearest pound or five pounds.

The committee discussed the proposed 4% uplift in discretionary fees and charges, and raised concerns regarding the financial impact on vulnerable people who will be affected by the Meals on Wheels and Opal Group fee increases. They debated alternative fee structures, sourcing savings, and reallocating funds. Members also discussed statutory fees, insurance premiums costs, and the new CCTV contract renewal in 2026/27. The Committee made the suggestion for officers to explore reallocating £50k from insurance premiums of cross laminated timber in the new Eclipse Leisure Centre to potentially cover deficits in the Opal Group service.

It was proposed by Councillor Bateson, seconded by Councillor Attewell and resolved by the Committee to agree to deferring the decision on increasing Meals on Wheels and Opal Group fees and charges until 7 January 2025 committee in order for Officers to come back with alternative options.

Committee resolved to:

1.    Approve the Budget, Fees and Charges, Growth and Savings proposals for Community Wellbeing & Housing Committee subject to deferring the decision on increasing Meals on Wheels and Opal Group fees and charges until 7 January 2025 committee in order for Officers to come back with alternative options.

2.    Recommend to Corporate Policy & Resources Committee that they approve the proposed budget, Fees and Charges, Growth and Savings proposals for Community Wellbeing & Housing Committee