Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that presents the Money Plan and Budget Proposals for review and recommendation to Council and is seeking the authority to enter the 100% business rates pilot with all Gloucestershire authorities.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council that:

(1)  the proposals for the 2018/19 budget included in this report are approved.

(2)  the implementation of the target budget reductions set in the Money plan 2018/2023 are approved.

(3)  it is noted that consultation has been undertaken on budget proposals to achieve the level of savings required in 2018/19.

RESOLVED that the Council joins the 100% business rates pilot with all Gloucestershire authorities and delegates authority to the Head of Policy and Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, to enter into any agreement(s) as may be necessary.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought them to review the Money Plan for recommendation to the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the key elements of the report and highlighted the ongoing need to make savings in light of pressure on the settlement from central government.  He expressed disappointment that although Gloucestershire has been selected as a pilot for full retention of business rates the distribution of funds generated favoured other districts over Gloucester.  He further advised Members that any future funding pressures would have to be met with additional savings or income.

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources drew Members’ attention to the Budget Consultation (Appendix 7) and noted that the responses were broadly positive and similar to those in previous years and thus indicative of themes to explore in future budgets.  He commented that the authority continues to set a realistic budget and thanked the Head of Policy and Resources and the Finance Team for their work that has seen the authority move forward in recent years.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy also thanked the Head of Policy and Resources and the Finance Team.  He further acknowledged the importance of working with partners to meet financial pressures and gave the recent Kings Walk Shopping Centre agreement as an example. 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning reminded Members of the need for continued prudent financial management in challenging times as the city continues to grow.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council that:

(1)  the proposals for the 2018/19 budget included in this report are approved.

(2)  the implementation of the target budget reductions set in the Money plan 2018/2023 are approved.

(3)  it is noted that consultation has been undertaken on budget proposals to achieve the level of savings required in 2018/19.

RESOLVED that the Council joins the 100% business rates pilot with all Gloucestershire authorities and delegates authority to the Head of Policy and Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, to enter into any agreement(s) as may be necessary.