Agenda item

(i)                  That the first draft savings proposals as set out in Appendix A and Appendix B to the report, be noted.

(ii)                 That the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) funding gap

(Appendix C), be noted.

(iii)               That any surplus funds identified when setting the budget to be transferred to Reserves in order to achieve future financial resilience, be approved.

(iv)               That the commencement date of the Budget Consultation period as mid-November to mid-December 2024, be noted.

(v)                That the first draft savings proposals be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views (Appendix A and Appendix B).

(vi)               That the refreshed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Appendix D) be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

(vii)             That the Mid-Year Capital Estimates for 2024/25, be approved.

(viii)            That the proposed setting of Council Tax at 1.99 per cent for 2025/2026,

be noted

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced a report presenting the refreshed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) which included the first draft savings being considered to balance the 2025/26 revenue budget and the proposed capital programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28.

The proposed savings and funding strategies were outlined at paragraph 2.4 of the report.  The Portfolio Holder announced a below inflation increase in Council Tax of 1.99% which amounted to ten pence per week or less for 95% of households in the Borough.

The identified savings would enable a continued contribution of £250,000 to the Borough Growth Fund which would continue to enable investment in the Council’s priorities including significant investment in boosting the sustainability of the environment within the Borough by supporting town centre development.

The draft proposals would assist in formulating a financially robust budget for the council which would continue to ensure financial sustainability whilst also protecting the Council’s services.

The Leader stated that it was the makings of a good budget to take to Council next February.  Referring to the low percentage increase in Council Tax, the Administration had made that commitment in 2022 and this would be the third budget where that pledge had been kept.

Councillor Hutchison welcomed the MTFS and stated that Streetscene and recycling continued to be protected.  Solar panels had been installed at Bradwell Crematorium Chapel and also at Keele Cemetery offices and Kidsgrove Town Hall which would bring in savings.  The Council was now looking at collecting trade waste in the town centre and Fixed Penalty Notices would be issued for fly tipping with a zero tolerance.  In total, within the Sustainable Environment Portfolio, savings would be between £150,000 to £200,000.

Councillor Heesom was pleased that there would be no reduction in the services at the Vulnerability Hub which was an essential service provided by the Council.

Councillor Skelding referred to the J2 leisure centre where footfall was always buoyant and there were plans to work towards carbon net zero at the site which would help future budgets.  The Museum was also working well with many people continuing to visit.  Both of the sites were self funding  and it helped to have a strong strategic Capital Strategy.

The Leader stated that the Museum was going from strength to strength being enhanced from outside funding on the back of the 850 celebration events.  In addition, membership at J2 continued to increase following the reduction during the Covid outbreak.  The Borough now had two vibrant sports centres – Newcastle and Kidsgrove.

Councillor Fear, referring in particular to the low increase in Council Tax,  stated that the MTFS showed that this Council kept its promises.  The Council had not cut services but had improved them.

The Leader stated that not much had been mentioned regarding the One Council programme – which had made significant savings,  but that was the next item on this agenda.   

Referring to recommendation three, the Leader stated that this was important as the Walleys Quarry reserve which Council transferred more money to at the last meeting may still need to be tapped into as legal proceedings progressed.

The next stage for the revised MTFS would be to present it to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee in January.

Resolved:    (i)       That the first draft savings proposals as set out in Appendix

A and Appendix B to the report, be noted.

(ii)              That the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

funding gap (Appendix C), be noted.

(iii)           That any surplus funds identified when setting the budget to be transferred to Reserves in order to achieve future financial resilience, be approved.

(iv)               That the commencement date of the Budget Consultation period as mid-November to mid-December 2024, be noted.

(v)                That the first draft savings proposals be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views (Appendix A and Appendix B).

(vi)               That the refreshed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Appendix D) be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

(vii)             That the Mid-Year Capital Estimates for 2024/25, be approved.

(viii)             That the proposed setting of Council Tax at 1.99 per cent

for 2025/2026, be noted.

Watch the debate here