Issue - meetings

To consider and receive the report of the Chief Finance Officer.

That Members agree the contents of this report in order to start the budget consultation process and note the following proposed budget items, in particular:

·         No proposed increase in council tax for 2020/21 and no proposed cuts to services.

·         The forecast balanced budget for 2020/21 and the forecast budget position in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

·         The changes to the capital programme 2020/21 to 2022/23.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member (Resources), presented the report of the Chief Finance Officer which sets out the budget position for 2020/21 including the forecast for the following 2 years to 2022/23 and also presents the relevant proposals in respect of the use of forecast resources identified in 2020/21 and budget consultation.

Members noted there was no proposed increase in council tax in 2021/22 or 2022/23 due to the investments made by the Council and the efficiencies achieved. This would be revisited every year and be dependent upon the outcome of the Government announcements regarding the Fair Funding Review and Business Rates Retention. It was also noted that investment of approximately £1m would be continued to deliver corporate strategy priorities alongside strategies to reduce the budget deficit in the medium term.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the Council were liaising with local groups and Parish Councils regarding VE Day celebrations, that the investment in the markets would be well publicised, and that considerations for Armed Forces Day were underway.

Decision:

That Members agree the contents of this report in order to start the budget consultation process and note the following proposed budget items, in particular:

·         No proposed increase in council tax for 2020/21 and no proposed cuts to services.

·         The forecast balanced budget for 2020/21 and the forecast budget position in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

·         The changes to the capital programme 2020/21 to 2022/23.

Reasons for Recommendation(s):

To progress the Council’s 2020/21 budget setting process to achieve an approved and balanced budget.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None, setting the budget is a statutory responsibility.