Issue - meetings

This report informs the Committee of the Council’s revenue budget targets presented to the Strategy & Resources Committee.  The report seeks guidance on the preparation of the Committee’s service estimates for 2023/24.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Note the implications of the budget targets presented to Strategy & Resources Committee on 26 July 2022.

(2)          Support the changes to services and savings identified in section 3 of this report and that these are included within the budget presented to this Committee in January 2023.

(3)          Note that any additional new growth items supported by this Committee will need to be fully funded from existing budgets.

The Committee received a report informing the Committee of the Council’s revenue budget targets presented to the Strategy & Resources Committee.  The report sought guidance on the preparation of the Committee’s service estimates for 2023/24.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Homelessness Service Cost Reduction Target: Following a question from a Member, The Chair elaborated on paragraph 2.4.5 of the report, explaining that the figure is under review as part of the budget process that will go through the Strategy and Resources Committee. He explained that the figure provided is a target, subject to monthly review, and further information will be provided at a future meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee. He confirmed a substantive figure will be provided at a future meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, and that the matter will be taken to the next Budget meeting of Full Council.

b)           Competitiveness of Council Services: Following a question from a Member in relation to the increase to discretionary fees and charges, the Senior Accountant explained that the Council will be able to remain competitive as the Council Heads of Services are required to set the prices of fees and charges according to what the market will bear and what will prevent a restraint to the use of Council Services.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Note the implications of the budget targets presented to Strategy & Resources Committee on 26 July 2022.

(2)          Support the changes to services and savings identified in section 3 of this report and that these are included within the budget presented to this Committee in January 2023.

(3)          Note that any additional new growth items supported by this Committee will need to be fully funded from existing budgets.