Cabinet Member for Finance

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 26 February 2020, subject to further consideration at the next Cabinet meeting on 11 February 2020.

1.2           That the draft General Fund Budget for 2020/21 is based on an increase to Council Tax of £5 per annum (10p per week) for a Band D property, which is equivalent to 3.1%, 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 Councils 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

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced report BCa/19/30 which contained details of the draft revenue and capital budgets and the Councils strategic financial aims. Councillor Ward advised that the report enabled Members to consider key aspects of the draft budget and make any recommendations to the final budget which would be presented to Full Council in February.

Councillor Ward provided Members with an overview of the budget. This included proposed increases in council tax charges, new homes bonus funding and earmarked reserve levels.

The recommendations in the report were proposed by Councillor Ward and seconded by Councillor Malvisi.

Councillor Parker raised a query with regard to the council tax reduction for unoccupied and unfurnished properties and which exemptions would apply to this rule. Councillor Ward explained that in circumstances where the occupant has become deceased an exemption would apply for a set period of time.

Councillor Osborne commented on how well briefed Members had been regarding the budget and thanked officers for the production of a well-balanced budget with no reduction in services to residents.

Councillor Busby expressed his concern over the long-term future and the changes that would be required to the services provided in order to meet the demand on communities and commented that this would need attention over the next year. Councillor Ward agreed that reassessment of the budget would be required, and the transformation fund would play a part in financing future projects.

Councillor Ward commented that Officers had carried out excellent work in the production of a balanced budget.

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 26 February 2020, subject to further consideration at the next Cabinet meeting on 11 February 2020.

1.2           That the draft General Fund Budget for 2020/21 is based on an increase to Council Tax of £5 per annum (10p per week) for a Band D property, which is equivalent to 3.1%, 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 Councils General Fund budget before the February Cabinet and recommendations to Council.