Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Finance (Copy herewith)

2.1         Cabinet approved that the General Fund Revenue budget 2019/20, as summarised in (Appendix 1 of the report), for public consultation.

2.2         Cabinet approved for public consultation the proposed growth and savings options set out (in Appendix 2 of the report).

2.3         Cabinet approved for public consultation the proposed Council Tax increase for 2019/20 of 2.99% per Band D property.

2.4         Cabinet approved for public consultation the draft General Fund Capital Programme and Financing 2019/20 to 2022/23 (as detailed in Appendix 4, of the report)

2.5         Cabinet approved for consultation the draft Capital Strategy (as set out in Appendix 3 of the report)

2.6         Cabinet approved for consultation the draft Treasury Management Strategy (as set out in Appendix 5 of the report).

Councillor Eldred elaborated on his report and explained that the proposal was to increase Council Tax by 2.99% per Band D property. He noted that Councils were under financial pressures and the proposed increase would ensure the Council is prepared.

Councillor Stone stated that many of the financial pressures faced by the Council came from the increased cases of homelessness, which would continue to rise and questioned what precautions were in place to mitigate. She questioned the saving proposals and asked that they be more fully explained.

Councillor Birch questioned what a Parish Grant consisted of and what the cost was to the individual householder in the Parish.

It was explained to Councillor Birch that the grant was for Borough Council staff supporting Bellinge Community Centre for which they were charged.

Councillor Hadland noted that the budget for the Business Incentive Scheme had previously been £250,000 but as there had been a drop in demand, it was considered that a £50,000 reduction could be absorbed.

Councillor Eldred noted that he was looking at further savings to the Environmental Services contract through the introduction of additional charges. He further explained that with regards to Facilities Management, there were a number of events that were being contracted out which assisted the Council in generating money and protecting the positions of front line facilities staff.

RESOLVED:

2.1         That the draft General Fund Revenue budget 2019/20, as summarised in Appendix 1 (of the report), be approved for public consultation.

2.2         That the proposed growth and savings options set out in Appendix 2 (of the report) be approved for public consultation.

2.3         That the proposed Council Tax increase for 2019/20 of 2.99% per Band D property be approved for public consultation.

2.4         That the draft General Fund Capital Programme and Financing 2019/20 to 2022/23, as detailed in Appendix 4 (of the report), be approved for public consultation.

2.5         That the draft Capital Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 (of the report) be approved for consultation.

2.6         That the draft Treasury Management Strategy as set out in Appendix 5 (of the report) be approved for consultation.