Decision details

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented the Council’s financial position for 2023/24 to 2025/26 together with a number of ‘Business as Usual’ savings proposals in response to that financial position, with the report highlighting the intention for such proposals to be taken by the relevant Director or Chief Officer in accordance with the relevant Officer Delegation Scheme.

The Executive Member for Resources presented the report, highlighting that it provided an overview of the initial directorate savings proposals for the three year period, with it being noted that further proposals were scheduled to be submitted to the December 2022 Board meeting. The collaborative approach being taken with Scrutiny Boards on such matters was highlighted, with the Executive Member emphasising the scale of the financial challenges which were being faced by the Council and the difficult decisions which were required as a result.

Responding to an enquiry, the Board was advised that internal charging levels for services had been reviewed, but it was deemed reasonable that where appropriate, levels were increased to reflect increased delivery costs.

Regarding the proposed savings in the report around street lighting consumption, in response to a question the Board received further information on this, with officers undertaking to provide the Member in question with a more detailed note on such matters.

Responding to an enquiry regarding the financial impact upon the Council as a result of employee absence rates, it was noted that work had been undertaken on such matters, and whilst the Board received further information on this, it was undertaken that officers would provide the Member in question with further detail in terms of the financial and other costs associated with absence rates.

Members discussed the income generating services in the Council and the approach being taken to address financial pressures in these areas whilst also preserving such vital income generation. It was noted that the Council was doing everything it could to strike the correct balance on such matters, however, the scale of the financial challenges being faced by this Council and the sector as a whole were reiterated. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Council’s financial position for 2023/24 to 2025/26, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that further savings are required to deliver a balanced budget position for 2023/24 and contribute towards closing the projected gaps in the years 2024/25 and 2025/26;

(b)  That the ‘Business as Usual’ savings put forward in the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that decisions to give effect to them shall be taken by the relevant Director or Chief Officer in accordance with the Officer Delegation Scheme (Executive functions);

(c)  That it be noted that additional savings proposals will be brought to Executive Board for consideration at its meeting on 14th December 2022.