Issue - meetings

This item includes a supplementary report.

Resolved: that:

1. The first draft proposals as set out in the Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to the report be noted.

2. The amendment to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) funding gap as a result of public sector pay freeze assumptions be noted.

3. The first draft proposals be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

4. A supplementary revenue estimate of £250k be approved for the blueprint and mobilisation phase of the “One Council” programme.

Councillor Sweeney informed the meeting that the Audit had now been complete and an unqualified opinion received on the accounts and Value for Money audit.  He thanked the finance staff.

Cabinet considered the first draft proposals to balance the revenue budget 2021/22 and the proposed capital programme for 2021/22 to 2023/24.

The Council’s draft Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) had been endorsed by Cabinet at the last meeting on 11^th November 2020 and indicated there would be a budget ‘gap’ of £1.079m in respect of the budget 2021/22.  Councillor Sweeney introduced the report which outlined measures to reduce this gap including savings arising from the Comprehensive Spending Review and public sector pay freeze; various Government support streams including towards the Council Tax collection fund deficit and Business Rates deficit; an extension to the Income Compensation Scheme for fees and charges for the first quarter of 2021/22 and further funding towards temporary accommodation costs. 

The Capital Programme was presented and included updated funding assumptions.  Councillor Sweeney referred to the service area for Leisure which related to the reopening of Kidsgrove Leisure Centre.  The significant spending in 2022/23 in Streetscene referred to the works at the Crematorium. 

The Council had commissioned a full organisational review – the One Council Programme – which would look at how services were delivered in the future.  Regular updates would be made to Cabinet and the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee who would also be given the opportunity to comment on the draft Savings Proposals at their next meeting in January 2021. 

Resolved: that:

1. The first draft proposals as set out in the Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to the report be noted.

2. The amendment to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) funding gap as a result of public sector pay freeze assumptions be noted.

3. The first draft proposals be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

4. A supplementary revenue estimate of £250k be approved for the blueprint and mobilisation phase of the “One Council” programme.