Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources reviewing the Council’s Money Plan 2016-21 and Budget Proposals 2017/18.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the assumptions contained in the Council’s draft Money Plan from 2017/18 to 2021/22 and revisions to the draft revenue budget be approved.

2.    That the uncertainties regarding future incomes, as shown in this report and Appendix 1 and the need to update the Draft Money Plan when there is more certainty regarding Central Government financing be noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources which reviewed the Council’s Money Plan 2016-21 and Budget Proposals 2017/18. Councillor James reported that an error in the report title had been realised and that the report related to the budget proposals for 2017-2018 and not 2016/17. 

Councillor Norman explained that the Council continued to face a challenging economic environment and continued uncertainties on the level on funding provided by Central Government. He reported that the Council had agreed on 4 year settlement plan, which he hoped would provide some additional certainty noting that the 100% business rates retention proposals and the increase in council tax by £5 a year would help to increase the Council’s funds. He advised that the Council aimed to maintain a general fund balance of at least 10% of the overall budget.

Councillor Norman reported that the Together Gloucester team had been tasked with developing a transformation programme for the Council aimed at saving £1 million pound. He explained that the team had come together for three days a week over a three month period to develop the proposals. He thanked the team for their hard and effort, recognising that the process would be painful for some individuals but acknowledging that the Council needed to continually evolve and change to remain viable.

Councillor Norman encouraged residents to participate in the budget consultation, noting that consultation would have normally begun earlier but had been delayed to accommodate for the transformation project.

Councillor Noakes highlighted the proposed £100,000 reduction in the Marketing Gloucester grant (MGL), commenting that the Aspire grant would remain the same. She welcomed the Council’s continued collaboration with MGL to continue to deliver an exciting programme of events for the City.

Councillor Watkins welcomed the proposals noting that the Council continued to have to make difficult decisions. Referring to her portfolio, she advised that grant funding to the voluntary and community sector groups (VCS) would be reviewed to ensure that the Council spent public money wisely and where most required and would require both parties to work differently. She concluded by reporting that alternative opportunities to support the VCS groups were currently being explored.

Councillor Cook referencing his portfolio, advised that the additional income would be generated through an increase in garden waste charges and a considerable increase in the value of recyclate material, which he hoped in future would generate a profit for the Council.

Cabinet Members stressed the importance of these proposals to ensure the Council remained viable. They thanked officers and the Together Gloucester team for all their work in developing the proposals, reporting that the Council would continue to continue to respond to changes from Central Government.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the assumptions contained in the Council’s draft Money Plan from 2017/18 to 2021/22 and revisions to the draft revenue budget be approved.

2.    That the uncertainties regarding future incomes, as shown in this report and Appendix 1 and the need to update the Draft Money Plan when there is more certainty regarding Central Government financing be noted.