81 MCa/19/37 DRAFT GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2020/21 PDF 878 KB
Cabinet Member for Finance
Decision:
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the draft General Fund Budget proposals for 2020/21 and four-year outlook set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 27 February 2020, subject to further consideration at the next Cabinet meeting on 10 February 2020.
1.2 That the draft General Fund Budget for 2020/21 is based on an increase to Council Tax of 1.66%, which equates to £2.76 per annum (5p per week) for a Band D property, to support the Council’s overall financial position, which will be considered further at the February Cabinet meeting.
1.3 That from 1 April 2020 properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished (Class C discount) receive a 25% reduction for the first 28 days as set out in section 11 of the report.
Reason for Decision: To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Council’s General Fund budget before the February Cabinet and recommendations to Council.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: The General Fund Budget for 2020/21 and four-year outlook is an essential element in achieving a balanced budget and sustainable medium-term position. Setting a balanced budget for the coming year is a statutory requirement, therefore no other options are appropriate in respect of this.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes:
The Draft General Fund Budget 2020/21 was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance who provided Members with an overview of the budget. This included details of the continued investment in CIFCO, proposed increases in council tax charges and the draft Capital Programme. Councillor Whitehead praised the work undertaken by the finance team in producing the budget and ensuring the narrative within in the report provided a full explanation of the figures.
Councillor Whitehead moved the recommendations in the report, which would be further considered by Cabinet at the meeting in February 2020 before being presented to Full Council. The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Morley.
Councillor Whitehead responded to questions from Councillor Eburne including New Homes Bonus underspend and plans in place for this money, the provision of electric vehicle charging units, and the additional spend on ICT equipment. The Chief Executive provided information regarding the work which the Commissioning and Procurement, and Communities Teams have undertaken regarding the Authorities’ statutory responsibilities with regard to social value, and how this was measured.
Councillor Welham enquired if Cabinet Members had seen the full list of budget proposals produced by the Green and Liberal Democrat Groups, and what would happen to those proposals which were not being taken forward to the Environmental strategy group. Councillor Welham gave examples of the work required in promoting Stowmarket Town Centre and the provision of electric vehicle charging points. In response Councillor Whitehead confirmed that the full list of proposals had been shared and considered. Councillor Whitehead agreed that action was needed to provide a boost to Stowmarket, and also that initiatives could be brought forward with regard to electric vehicle charging points. Councillor Morley confirmed that all items on the list of proposals have been passed to Officers to carry out scoping exercises and would be returning to Cabinet for Cabinet Members to make a decision. Councillor Gould commented on the importance of Officers appraisal of proposals before they are presented to Cabinet.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the draft General Fund Budget proposals for 2020/21 and four-year outlook set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 27 February 2020, subject to further consideration at the next Cabinet meeting on 10 February 2020.
1.2 That the draft General Fund Budget for 2020/21 is based on an increase to Council Tax of 1.66%, which equates to £2.76 per annum (5p per week) for a Band D property, to support the Council’s overall financial position, which will be considered further at the February Cabinet meeting.
1.3 That from 1 April 2020 properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished (Class C discount) receive a 25% reduction for the first 28 days as set out in section 11 of the report.
Reason for Decision: To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Council’s General Fund budget before the February Cabinet and recommendations to Council.