Issue - meetings

Budget reports from the Leader of the Council, Councillor E O’Brien are attached:

·         The Council’s Budget 2022/23 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy2022/23- 2025/26  (Appendix 4 attached)

·         The Dedicated Schools Grant and setting the Schools Budget 2022-23

·         Capital Strategy and Capital programme 2022/23

·         Flexible use of Capital Receipts Strategy 2022/23

·         Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2022/23 

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the following suite of budget reports:

·         The Council’s Budget 2022/23 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 - 2025/26 (Appendix 4 attached)

·         The Dedicated Schools Grant and setting the Schools Budget 2022-23

·         Capital Strategy and Capital programme 2022/23

·         Flexible use of Capital Receipts Strategy 2022/23

·         Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2022/23

The following questions and comments were raised:

·         Question on what changes, if any the recent announcement by the Chancellor has on the budget papers. It was confirmed that the White Paper did not induce any changes to the budget setting as we do not yet have the details if there are any further changes these will be communicated.

·         Assurances were sought on the ability to deliver transformation over the next municipal year. In response the Leader confirmed the delivery is the challenge, but there is a lot of confidence in the Senior Leadership Team.

·         Question took place regarding Appendix 1 of the Capital Budget. The leader advised he is open to new developments coming through and this is a live document.  Further discussions on the process for taking new projects on was requested; for example, Radcliffe has a significant need for regeneration, a School and high level of deprivation. The needs considered are around deprivation and/or economic growth are key elements considered.

·         Specific discussion took place regarding ‘The Uplands Site’ and regeneration of a Health Centre. Geoff Little, Chief Executive advised that work with the current and other practices in the Whitefield area is taking place to ensure agreed use of each building and secondly, there is work to pull together a land assembly and the Capital Programme to develop the site for that use. The main partners are Health Partners, but the Council is involved. It was requested to note that Councillor Boroda will be keen to work on future developments in the area with the Leader.

·         Assurance was sought on the confidence to deliver savings this year. The Leader stated the budget is deliverable, but monitoring is done regularly to ensure any issues are identified immediately; reports go to Cabinet quarterly and the Executive Team receive monthly updates.

·         The Leader was asked what the failure standard is. In response he outlined the expectation is we deliver all expectations, but we understand things can change. When any elements cannot be delivered alternatives have to be found. In terms of what is deemed a failure this is when we give up and use reserves.

·         The proposal and rationale to reduce food waste caddy liners to one roll of 52 liners per year per household to save £50,000 per year was discussed. The Committee were assured that if this proposal has a direct impact on recycling rates this will be quickly identified and considerations such as bigger than average homes will have access to further bags.

·         Councillor Wright as Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee discussed the 18% drop in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9