Lead Member – Councillor Peter Nutting – Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance [Section 151 Officer]  TO FOLLOW

Contact: James Walton      Tel: 01743 255001

RESOLVED:

              i.        That the changes required to the 2017/18 budget be agreed as a result of the Final Local Government Settlement and the introduction of improved Better Care Funding announced in the Spring Budget.

            ii.        That the changes required to future years budgets be noted as a result of the Local Government Settlement and the review of expenditure and income following a second growth modelling exercise.

           iii.        That the revised funding gap for the years 2018/19 to 2022/23 be noted

           iv.        That the savings proposals be approved which will contribute towards delivery of a balanced budget in 2018/19 as outlined in Appendix 4

                  v.            That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance (s151 Officer), after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to apply for Business Rates pilot status alone or jointly with one or more other councils on the understanding that, if the Council is accepted, the opportunity will not be taken forward if there is a projected detrimental effect to this Council’s financial position.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report from the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance detailing the first financial strategy report for 2017/18 and provided information and recommendations on the Council’s proposals to manage its financial position for 2018/10 and beyond.  He stressed that work was ongoing behind the scenes and efficiencies and different ways of working were being considered; changes in attitude and to working practices would be needed with a view to taking steps to close the funding gap and to ensure the Council’s future sustainability.

A Member commented that the philosophy adopted by the Council was not palatable and the impact on the elderly and young people in the county was being overshadowed by consideration of finances.  The Leader stressed that the serious financial issues would be addressed during this term of office, palatable or otherwise.  Referring to new ways of working, the Portfolio Holder for Finance stated that this was a work in progress that would take between 6 to 12 months to work through before it could be shared more widely.  He urged all Members to set aside their political differences and work together to address the ongoing financial issues.

RESOLVED:

              i.        That the changes required to the 2017/18 budget be agreed as a result of the Final Local Government Settlement and the introduction of improved Better Care Funding announced in the Spring Budget.

            ii.        That the changes required to future years budgets be noted as a result of the Local Government Settlement and the review of expenditure and income following a second growth modelling exercise.

           iii.        That the revised funding gap for the years 2018/19 to 2022/23 be noted

           iv.        That the savings proposals be approved which will contribute towards delivery of a balanced budget in 2018/19 as outlined in Appendix 4

                  v.            That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance (s151 Officer), after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to apply for Business Rates pilot status alone or jointly with one or more other councils on the understanding that, if the Council is accepted, the opportunity will not be taken forward if there is a projected detrimental effect to this Council’s financial position.