Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR - RESOURCES

To consider the Draft Budget 2021/2022.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the funding forecasts for 2021/22 and the significant uncertainty around Central Government funding levels in 2021/22 and beyond, and that these estimates provided could be subject to significant change be noted;

(2)       That the comments made at the budget workshops and the inclusion of the revenue savings and investments in the draft budget be noted;

(3)       That the comments made at the budget workshops and the inclusion of the capital investments in the draft budget be noted;

(4)       That it be confirmed that Council Tax increases for 2021/22 will be in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (i.e. the maximum amount allowed without the need for a local referendum).

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a proposed budget and Council Tax level for 2021/22, to be considered by Full Council on 11 February 2021.

Audio recording – 1 hour 0 minutes 8 seconds

The Chair referred Members to the referral from the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, which supported the recommendations contained in the report.

The Executive Member for Finance and IT presented the report entitled Draft Budget Report 2021/22 together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A - Full list of Revenue Savings and Investments;

·                Appendix B - Full Proposed Capital Programme.

He informed Members:

·                There were uncertainties that had affected budget forecasting such as the one year settlement and delays in the new funding formula;

·                That savings regarding public toilets, litter bins and Christmas trees had been rejected;

·                Higher claims of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme will result in lower Council Tax income base.

·                Council Tax likely to be increased by the maximum allowed without a referendum.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed, Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the funding forecasts for 2021/22 and the significant uncertainty around Central Government funding levels in 2021/22 and beyond, and that these estimates provided could be subject to significant change be noted;

(2)       That the comments made at the budget workshops and the inclusion of the revenue savings and investments in the draft budget be noted;

(3)       That the comments made at the budget workshops and the inclusion of the capital investments in the draft budget be noted;

(4)       That it be confirmed that Council Tax increases for 2021/22 will be in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (i.e. the maximum amount allowed without the need for a local referendum).

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a proposed budget and Council Tax level for 2021/22, to be considered by Full Council on 11 February 2021.