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

DECISION

1.    To note the updated draft budget position for 2020-21.

2.    To note the need to set a balanced budget over the whole of the MTFS period.

3.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2020-23.

4.    To note the indicative timeline of formal budget consultation with residents, businesses and other key stakeholders and to receive feedback on the consultation at Cabinet in November.

In relation to the Housing Revenue Account:-

5.    To note the most recent HRA 30 year financial modelling assumes that from 2020-21 HRA rents will increase by CPI + 1% for five years, and then by CPI only.

In relation to the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS):-

6.    To maintain the existing 100% Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2020-21 protecting our residents on low incomes.

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. She highlighted the significant uncertainty caused by a number of issues such as the lack of clarity on government funding plans. There were concerns that significant further savings would be required. The expected resetting of business rates was also a significant concern.

The Mayor noted the concerns raised and also the request from Overview and Scrutiny for early engagement in the budget process and confirmed his desire to be as open as possible. He noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the updated draft budget position for 2020-21.

2.    To note the need to set a balanced budget over the whole of the MTFS period.

3.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2020-23.

4.    To note the indicative timeline of formal budget consultation with residents, businesses and other key stakeholders and to receive feedback on the consultation at Cabinet in November.

In relation to the Housing Revenue Account:-

5.    To note the most recent HRA 30 year financial modelling assumes that from 2020-21 HRA rents will increase by CPI + 1% for five years, and then by CPI only.

In relation to the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS):-

6.    To maintain the existing 100% Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2020-21 protecting our residents on low incomes.