Apologies were received from Councillor Tony Parsons.

The Executive Director for People and Executive Director for Health had also asked that their apologies be presented. 

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

None were declared.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2024 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any questions from members of the public.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

There were no public questions. 

To receive any questions of which members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

There were no member questions.

To consider the report of the Collaborative Budget Task and Finish Group ahead of it being presented to Cabinet.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Committee received and noted the report of the cross-party Collaborative Budget Task and Finish Group.   The Portfolio Holder for Resources reported that the meetings of the group had been very well attended.  No questions on the report were raised and the Portfolio Holder observed that this demonstrated the success of the approach. 

To consider the Draft Financial Strategy 2024/25 - 2028/29 and provide feedback to Cabinet.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Executive Director of Resources presented the report and apologised for its late circulation.  The reason for this had been to enable it to reflect the most up to date position, including the information provided within the Policy Statement released on 28 November.

In response to a member question, the Executive Director explained that while the National Insurance contribution increase had no direct local authority impact, it would affect the supply chain and the council’s costs for third party spend across the board.  Discussions and negotiations would determine how these costs would be absorbed.  

A member said he understood the difficulties caused by a change in government and the wait for financial settlement information but was disappointed with the level of detail within the report especially regarding possible mitigations.  He felt that reference should have been made to financial savings agreed by the Council in February 2024 and that the Quarter 2 report should have been included on the agenda for the meeting. 

The Chair referred to discussions held at the Collaborative Budget Task and Finish Group where it was agreed that some lines of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy required improved dialogue.  The Portfolio Holder emphasised the distinct roles of councillors in setting policy and the day to day detailed work of officers.   In response to a comment on availability of information he confirmed that he was not party to any more information than other members in the meeting and trusted the figures provided by officers. 

The Executive Director reported that the Collaborative Budget Task and Finish Group would shortly be considering a set of proposals to go out to public consultation.  An updated gap position could not be identified until the settlement was received during week commencing 16 December.   

He also reiterated that no information was being held back and there was no hidden policy agenda.  If any savings required a policy change then that would have to be considered in the usual way by Cabinet or Council.  

The Assistant Director Finance and Technology drew attention to the link on page 10 of the report to the February Council MTFS report.  He understood that figures might not seem to link back in the way that might be expected, but the situation was moving extremely quickly and all information weas available and could be tracked to ensure transparency.  The Executive Director confirmed that the Core Spending power information in the paper was purely for the current year 2024 – 2025.

With regard to the Quarter 2 update, it had not been included as an item at this meeting as the committee wished to see quarterly reporting information ahead of Cabinet.  On this occasion the timing of meetings meant that this had not been possible.  The report could have been added to the meeting agenda if requested and was available on the website.  If there were any questions on it the Executive Director confirmed that he was happy to take them. 

Committee members made reference to the comments on financial sustainability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

To receive a verbal report on the Committee’s work programme 2024 – 2025

The Scrutiny Manager referred to the forthcoming pre-election period and the financial strategy item planned for the next meeting.  The Executive Director confirmed that the Quarter 3 report would not be produced until February but that period 7 or possibly period 8 information should be available for consideration in January.

The Committee agreed that the scheduled meeting date of 13 January 2025 would be too soon, and it was agreed to change this to 20 January 2024 so that the latest available information could be provided.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on 13 January 2025.

Monday 20 January 2025 at 2.00 pm.