Issue - meetings

Report FSD20017

The Committee considered a report setting out the Portfolio Holder’s draft 2020/21 budget which incorporated future cost pressures and initial draft budget saving options as reported to the Executive on 15^th January 2020. There were still outstanding issues and areas of uncertainty remaining, which would be reported to the next meeting of the Executive on 12^th February 2020. All PDS Committees were being requested to consider the draft budget and identify any further action that could be taken to reduce the cost pressures facing the Council.

In considering the staff vacancy factor, the Committee noted that over half of the savings had been achieved as a result of the organisational restructure undertaken earlier in the year. The Head of ECS Finance explained that it was anticipated that further savings would be achieved through the natural turn-over of staff. The Director of Environment and Public Protection confirmed that there was no intention to deliberately leave vacancies unfilled, however the vacancy factor acknowledged that it often took several months to secure the right candidate to fill a post.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Head of ECS Finance confirmed that the review of the funding formula remained a significant financial planning risk, with uncertainty as to how any reallocation of funding would impact on the Council. The Committee noted that an indication of the outcome of the spending review was expected later in the year.

RESOLVED that

(1) The update on the financial forecast for 2020/21 to 2023/24 be noted.

(2) The initial draft 2020/21 budget be supported as the basis for setting the 2020/21 budget.

(3) The Executive be informed at its meeting on 12^th February 2020 that the Committee supports the initial draft 2020/21 budget.