Decision details

The Director Finance and Digital Services presented an update on the operational decisions and base budget reduction measures which have been identified and the consequential financial implications which can now be factored into the Council’s Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan. 

The Director continued that the report set out a number of early budget reduction measures and budget updates amounting to £9.086M to be factored into the budget requirement and draft budget strategy for 2024/25.  The report also sets out the timetable for the agreement of the 2024/25 Revenue Budget Strategy, Council Tax Setting and the 3-year Capital Programme.

The Leader stated that the proposals do not address the entire budget gap but this emphasises the scale of the measures the Authority are facing.  He added that the Authority will continue to take decisions to ensure a balanced budget is maintained whilst remaining as efficient as possible and ensuring the impact on communities is kept to a minimum. He reassured that the report proposes minimal operational changes which take into account demand led by evidence and that minor adjustments are proposed to minimise impact on users.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services commented that a proactive approach previously adopted by this Council has stood the authority in good stead in challenging times we have faced previously.  She added that we need to continue to make decisions in a timely manner to ensure successful delivery of Council services in the future

With the agreement of the Leader, Non-Committee Member County Borough Councillor K Morgan was granted permission to address the Cabinet.

The Leader responded to comments raised and stated that the proposals relate to non-pay areas of the local authority, and do not allow for an inflation uplift. He stated that Trade Unions have been engaged in advance and service staff have been engaged to inform the reports before Members in terms of service usage.  He reminded Cabinet that the council will work together with managers to ensure effective services continue to be delivered.  He concluded that the proposals will be reported to Scrutiny prior to presentation to full Council to agree.  

The Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Note the operational changes and base budget reduction measures / updates which have been identified by the Senior Leadership Team and which can now be factored into next year’s budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan; and

Note the 2024/25 budget and Council Tax setting timetable as attached at Appendix 2 to the report