The Leader of the Council has been invited to deliver a presentation on the Budget and Policy Framework proposals for 2011/12.
Copies of the presentation will be made available at the meeting.
Minutes:
The panel received a detailed presentation by the Leader of the Council on Cabinet’s Budget and Policy Framework Proposals for 2011/12.
The Leader reported that Cabinet had published a draft set of priorities which had considered the results of the budget consultation held in October 2010. The consultation process had included three listening events, and four events at which members of the public and stakeholders were invited to consider the budget more closely and identify in what areas they would be prepared to see service reductions, and where savings could potentially be made.
This draft set of priorities had been used by Cabinet to drive the budget process. At its meeting on 18 January 2011 Cabinet had agreed a set of draft recommendations, which would be considered by full Council.
It was advised that the current economic climate had impacted on the Council’s priority setting, and that affordability and managing expectations had been a major consideration. The budget had been set to reflect the impact of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on funding levels. It was noted that the funding cuts as a result of the CSR had not been as high as had been originally anticipated.
It had also been proposed to freeze Council tax for 2011/12, and then only increase it by a maximum of 2% over the following two years.
It was reported that Cabinet had agreed four priorities for 2011/12:
· Economic Regeneration – to focus on energy, coast and visitor economy. The district’s two universities were considered an important part of this priority as they attracted a lot of visitors to the district.
· Climate Change – to prioritise the Council’s energy costs and increasing income. In terms of efficiency and value for money more needs to be done more to reduce the Council’s energy consumption. It was noted that work was currently being undertaken and both Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls with a view to improving the energy efficiency of the buildings. At its meeting on 15 February 2011 Cabinet would be considering potential invest-to-save projects with the aim of increasing efficiency and value for money.
· Statutory Responsibilities – to fulfil at least the Council’s minimum statutory duties, with a focus on keeping the district’s streets clean and safe.
· Partnership Working and Community Leadership – the Council would be working with partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors to reduce costs, make efficiencies and create resilience within the district. Progress was being made on shared services and joint working in several areas.
Cabinet had also noted that the intention to protect the most vulnerable members of society should be a thread running through all the Council’s priorities.
The Council’s three year budget position was illustrated. It was noted that because of the effect of the cost of concessionary travel being transferred to the County Council, the current budget position was not as bad as originally anticipated.
The Council’s efficiency and savings proposals were also outlined. It was advised that work relating to future income generation had not been completed at this time. The bulk of the savings had been made through efficiencies linked to draft priorities. In addition, potentially up to £2M would be available to support invest to save schemes, such as energy efficiency proposals.
Members were advised of growth proposals which included private sector housing standards, establishment of lord mayoralty and funding for PCSOs. The capital programme, Council housing and non domestic rates were reported in detail.
Following the presentation the Leader answered extensive questions from the Panel and stakeholders on the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Proposals for 2011/12.
Resolved:
(1) That the Leader of the Council be thanked for his presentation.