Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Finance and Resources

Councillor Tim Mitchell invited the Chairman of the Budget Task Group (BTG), Councillor Gotz Mohindra, to give an update on the work of the BTG in scrutinising the proposed budget.

Councillor Mohindra asked that his thanks, and thanks of the wider BTG be put on record to officers for their rigour and commitment in preparing the budget papers for this series of task groups and engaging with members and their questions.

Overall Councillor Mohindra commented that the draft budget appears robust and that officers have provided assurances on several points raised by members, including managing the impact of changing service demand priorities, the deliverability of a number of projects, and how external economic factors will continue to put pressure on the Council’s finances.

Councillor Paul Swaddle introduced the report and gave his thanks to officers and the BTG.  The budget report sets out a balanced 2022/23 budget alongside a medium-term financial plan to 2024/25, all of which is underpinned by our City for All strategy.  The net 2022/23 budget requirement of £185m is supported by Council Tax and Business Rates retention.

Cabinet heard that in response to the cost-of-living pressures that residents are experiencing the general element of Council Tax will be frozen for the forthcoming year. The Adult Social Care precept will increase by 1% to support service delivery.   This translates to an increase of 9p per week for a Band D property.  The Council is also maintaining its Council Tax Support scheme so that people on low incomes will receive 100% support in respect of their council tax bills.

Councillor Swaddle explained that the budget includes £16.7 million of savings for next year (2022/23) and that these savings have been made either through income generation or from efficiencies, with no cuts in services. 

Gerald Almeroth, Executive Director of Finance and Resources addressed the Committee. He confirmed that as s151 officer he considered that the budget setting process had been robust, including the scrutiny budget task group meetings.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations set out in the report be recommended for approval at Full Council.