Decision details

The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication informed the Cabinet of the proposed approach to resident engagement and consultation in respect of the 2024/25 budget setting process.

The Leader advised that next year’s budget would likely be the most challenging for RCT since his time as Leader of the Council; and it was emphasised that public engagement would be vital. The Leader stated that unless UK Government announce additional funding in their Autumn budget, the consequences to Wales and its Local Authorities would be very difficult. The Leader advised that, following a survey, across England, there would potentially be at least 26 Local Authorities issuing 114 notices in the next year; and that although RCT were a long way away from issuing a notice, the careful management of the budget and resources would be key.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services added that it would likely be a year which requires an honest conversation with residents in respect of the huge challenge faced by the Council.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To support the further continuation of the approach to the Council’s budget consultation introduced in recent years, utilising the Council’s Let’s Talk Engagement website, as well as community face-to-face engagement. As part of the suggested approach, we will continue to provide alternative means of engagement for those having reduced or no access to the Internet and those who prefer to engage through traditional methods;

2.    To support the Council’s statutory requirements regarding consultation on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Council Tax levels and that these will be met via the proposed approach;

3.    To support the launch of a phase 1 budget consultation during the Autumn of 2023, in advance of the Welsh Government provisional budget settlement timescales, currently expected around mid-December; and

4.   To authorise the Service Director – Democratic Services & Communications to plan in detail the necessary timeline for engagement, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member & Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services.