Issue - meetings

The Committee heard again from the Business Support Team Leader, presenting to Members the results of the Budget consultation process for 2021. She explained that feedback this year saw a return rate of 30% and a reduction in the number of responses from 708 last year, to 513 this year. It was acknowledged that this was a disappointing response rate and it was unclear why this may be the case, however, it may have been due to the amount of people returning to work. In 2019 the response rate was 595 so this year was comparable to pre-pandemic times.

The low response was in spite of the promotion of the consultation with 1,587 members of the citizens’ advice panel, over 2,000 registered businesses and market events in Gainsborough and Caistor where 105 forms were issued. Only 22 of these responded. The event in Market Rasen was unfortunately cancelled due to poor weather. Ways in which engagement could be improved for next year would continue to be explored.

It was explained that the consultation covered a number of topics ranging from corporate priorities, valued services, council tax increases, fees and charges and charging for green waste, and gave the opportunity for wider views and suggestions. Members were asked to consider the results and comments contained with the consultation report as part of the budget setting process for 2022/23.

The Chairman thanked the Business Support Team Leader and noted that it had been offered for Members to hold an additional Members’ Forum regarding the Budget Consultation. Discussions focussed primarily on how best to improve engagement in the process, with Members enquiring as to whether the Youth Council had continued and had been involved and whether there were opportunities to engage with the under-represented demographics. It was noted that the lack of the usual run of face-to-face events had negatively affected the level of responses and options would be reviewed for the next year. A Member of the Committee suggested there had been an over-reliance on the use of social media and other avenues, even if not face-to-face should be considered.

There was further discussion regarding the setting of the questions, whether they were externally assessed and also the difference it could make if questions were re-phrased. It was explained that the Council had Officers who were trained in setting surveys, rather than using external providers. It was agreed there were always opportunities to consider new options both for content of the consultation and ways to engage with the district.

With no further comment, and having been moved and secondly, it was

RESOLVED that the results of the Budget Consultation be accepted and the results and comments be considered as part of the budget setting process 2022/23