Issue - meetings

This report sets out estimates for income and expenditure on services in 2023/24.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved (8 in favour and 1 abstaining) to:

(1)          Recommend the 2023/24 service estimates for approval at the budget meeting of full Council in February 2023.

The Committee received a report setting out estimates for income and expenditure on services in 2023/24.

The following matters were considered by the Committee:

a)            Pay Award Provision: A Member expressed concern regarding the 3% pay increase for Council employees when set against the rate of inflation and encouraged Councillors to be mindful of the potential impact on staff. The Head of Finance confirmed that the 3% is below the inflationary increase and stated that he recognises the pressure this can place on recruitment and staff – he explained that the pay increase is set against affordability and budget constraints faced by local government. He highlighted the current Pay Policy which will run until 2024, which caps pay at 3% increase – he stated that when the new Pay Policy for the subsequent 4-year period comes is agreed (should Councillors agree to a 4-year period), he would expect considerations, such as those raised by the Member, to be taken into account.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved (8 in favour and 1 abstaining) to:

(1)          Recommend the 2023/24 service estimates for approval at the budget meeting of full Council in February 2023.