Issue - meetings

To consider the issues for the Budget 2019/20 to 2020/21.

Deputy Chief Executive Terry Collier gave a presentation to the Committee on issues that would affect budget setting; these included the pressures being experienced by councils, the reductions in central government funding, whether the business rates bid was successful and the relevant timescales.

Other possible factors such as Brexit, expansion of Heathrow, and potential Surrey County Council cuts were highlighted and the strategies to be used to close the budget gap. 

Mr Collier also advised that the net surplus from investment acquisitions would be used to support services that would otherwise be at risk.

Members were concerned at the delay in Surrey County Council advising of any budget cuts as a result of the consultations they are currently holding and felt this was unreasonable and made our own budget setting very difficult.  They requested that feedback is given to the relevant portfolio holder and/or Leader of Surrey County Council that the delay in notifying Spelthorne Borough Council of budget cuts is unreasonable. 

Resolved:

1.    To note the presentation.

2.    Councillor Mooney to convey the Committee’s concerns to Surrey County Council.