Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive any petitions and deputations provided that no such petition or deputation is in relation to:

·         Matters relating to individual Council Officers, or

·         Matters relating to current or pending legal proceedings

There were no petitions or deputations.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources which sets out the draft Money Plan for the period 2016 to 2021 and Budget Proposals for 2016 to 2017.

The format for the session will be as follows:-

1.       Leader of the Council will introduce the report.

2.       The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources will add his   comments on the report.

Each Cabinet Member will then present their respective portfolios in the following order (as set out in Appendix 5):-

1.       Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy.

2.       Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources.

3.       Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.

4.       Cabinet Member for Environment.

5.       Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods.

6.       Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.

During their presentations the Cabinet Members will address the following points:-

1.       Current staffing levels.

2.       Financial pressures for next year, including any potential reduction in income streams.

3.       The proposed budget savings in their area for next year and how these will impact on the services they provide.

4.       Any new income streams identified during the process.

5.       The main priorities for their portfolio and whether any have changed as a result of the Draft Money Plan.

The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Members to the meeting.

Introduction to the Report

Councillor James, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy, introduced the report on the Draft Money Plan for 2016-21 which included budget proposals for 2016-17.  Councillor James summarised the key headlines in the report and cautioned Members that the proposals could be amended following the announcement of the Revenue Support Grant before Christmas.

Councillor Norman, Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, echoed the comments of Councillor James and stressed the importance of the Council continuing to deliver a sustainable financial plan whilst maintaining front line services.

Questions from Members to Councillor James and Councillor Norman relating to their presentation

1.       A Member queried whether there was any early indication on the position regarding the transfer of the New Homes Bonus to the Social Care budget.  Councillor Norman replied that the Cabinet was taking a cautious and prudent approach pending the announcement and that the City Council was in the same position as other authorities.  The Member refuted the statement that all Councils were the same and stated that some were in a worse position.

2.       The Vice-Chair asked what formula had been used to construct the risks table shown at paragraph 18.3 in the report.  Councillor James confirmed that a 4 x4 scale had been used. 

Each Cabinet Member then presented their respective portfolios in turn.

REGENERATION AND ECONOMY – COUNCILLOR JAMES

Councillor James confirmed that there were 46 posts in his portfolio, 6 of which were vacant.  Councillor James explained the reasons for the vacancies.

Headlines for the Portfolio

1.       In terms of financial pressures for the portfolio, Councillor James outlined the current position regarding the Markets Service and advised Members that the operation of Hempsted Meadows had been successfully outsourced.  A procurement exercise was currently taking place for the King’s Square Cherry and White Market.  A second pressure on the portfolio was expenditure on buildings maintenance and repairs.

2.       In terms of budget savings, Councillor James listed the restructuring of the Property and Asset Management service, and the self-supporting of craft markets through the City Centre Community Partnership which had removed the need for the Council to subsidise them.

3.       In terms of income streams, Councillor James referred to external funding which had been obtained for the new Bus Station and for other capital projects.  Councillor James informed Members that he was aiming for Gloucester to become a Markets Charter City which would lead to further opportunities for revenue generation.  Councillor James mentioned that the setting of a non-refundable application fee for street trading applications was also proving to be an income generator.

4.       In terms of the main priorities for the portfolio, Councillor James listed these as:-

·       King’s Quarter

·       New Indoor Market

·       Blackfriars (including work with the County Council)

·       Regeneration of Baker’s Quay and other smaller sites and buildings

Questions from the Committee to Councillor James

1.       A Member sought clarification on the budget consultation exercise and queried whether residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Monday 11 January 2016 at 18.30 hours.

Monday 11 January 2016 at 18.30 hours.