Agenda item

The Leader of the Council introduced this report and moved the recommendations which set out the recommendations of Cabinet for Revenue and Capital Budgets for 2019/20 and sets out the recommendations for setting the 2019/20 Council Tax.  In summary the Council’s updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as reported to Cabinet indicated a forecast budget shortfall of £1.891m for 2019/20.  The Council had a duty to deliver a balanced budget.

Cabinet proposed an increase in council tax for 2019/20 of £5.69 per year from the 2018/19 amount.  This represented an increase of 2.99 percent from 2018/19.  Detailed recommendations were set out in Appendix A of the report.    Appendix B set out the proposed Revenue Budget for 2019/20.  A summary of additional income, additional expenditure and loss of income and new pressures was given in the report.

A summary of savings and funding strategies to bridge the £1.891m gap had been identified and agreed with managers and were given at Appendix C.

A review of the Council’s Balances and Reserves together with a risk assessment had been carried out. Details were given in Appendices D and E.  The MTFS and budget proposals had been scrutinised by the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee. 

The Capital Programme for 2019/20 was given in Appendix F of the report.

The Interim Executive Director of Resources and Support Services, Jan Willis and her team were thanked for the work that had been put into the preparation of the Budget.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Stephen Sweeney thanked officers for their hard work in preparing the budget.  Particular reference was made to Dave Roberts, the Council’s Head of Finance who would be retiring on 28 February after 48 years’ service at Newcastle.  Councillor Sweeney thanked him for his dedicated service, referring to him as a ‘tremendous guy’  and wished him a happy retirement.

Councillor Sweeney was enthused by the budget and was honoured to second it.

Councillor Robinson queried why there was no mention of the Kidsgrove Sports Centre within the budget.  Councillor Reddish asked that the Cabinet explore how Kidsgrove Sports Centre could be brought forward by a year.

Councillor Holland acknowledged Councillor Reddish’s suggestion and said that the Cabinet would like to look carefully at the provision of the sports centre and spending at the right time.  The Council has a good working relationship with the Community Group.

Councillor Holland responded to Councillor Robinson’s question asking why amendments had not been submitted to the budget in respect of funding for the Sports Centre.

Councillor Shenton queried why there was no mention of borrowing costs for 20/21 and 21/22.

Councillor Brian Johnson asked the Leader if he felt that the Green Waste charge was fair.

The Leader received Members’ comments and advised that a ten year strategy was now required by government.

With regard to Kidsgrove Sports Centre, the community group had met with the Council’s Chief Executive, Martin Hamilton and there was a commitment by the Cabinet and Council to get the facility open.

The three year Capital Programme meant that no borrowing was required.

The garden waste charge was a result of recycling credits no longer being given to us by the County Council.  It had never been paid for through the Council Tax.  Members were advised that seventy percent of Council’s already charge for this service and that now, only those who used the service would have to pay.   

A named vote was then taken in respect of the proposed budget:

In Favour - 24

Against - 15

Abstain – 0

Resolved:     That recommendations a to k, as set out in Appendix ‘A’ of the agenda report be approved.