The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the analysis and outcomes from the Your Borough Your Future budget consultation in Appendix A and have due regard to the issues raised in finalising its detailed budget proposals.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (N. MURTON)

(Divisional Director, Finance, Procurement and Audit (K. Bartle)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report which provided the feedback received from the Council’s budget consultation exercise. She highlighted how respondents had picked out a number of key areas for the Council to protect including services for the most vulnerable and those for children generally.

She highlighted the national challenges to Council budgets with increasing demand for care services whilst at the same time facing cuts to government funding.

During discussion it was noted that:

·         There were significant pressures on adult social care.

·         Income generation was a challenge especially during a time when Council staff who could support such work were being reduced.

·         The different options for increasing income such as through acquiring assets and other commercial opportunities.

·         Government information appeared to suggest they were expecting Councils to increase council tax by the maximum 2%.

The Mayor welcomed all submissions to the consultation and ideas for income generation. He noted that the draft budget pack would be published shortly, taking into account the comments received. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the analysis and outcomes from the Your Borough Your Future budget consultation in Appendix A and have due regard to the issues raised in finalising its detailed budget proposals.