Issue - meetings

Members heard from the Director of Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer who presented the forecast Medium Term Financial Plan following the receipt of the Local Government Financial Settlement, and updated Members on the consultation process with Central Government. It was highlighted that following receipt of the draft Local Government Financial Settlement, an updated MTFP had been prepared and was contained within Section 1.10 of the report.

It was explained that the presented MTFP was based on officers’ best forecasts as at 30 December 2024, and might be subject to change should any amendments to funding be issued by Central Government, or amendments to net expenditure be identified by Officers. It was highlighted that, with the latest business rates position only confirmed on 8 January 2025, it was anticipated that the 2025-26 budget would be brought into a balanced position.

In relation to the consultation process with Central Government, Members heard that the questions and possible responses had been discussed in detail at the first meeting of the Savings Board, which was held earlier that day. The primary response was one of disappointment that not only was there no increase in core spending powers but also there was no contribution to rural services. Additionally, it would be highlighted that council tax flexibility remained low. It was confirmed that the draft response would be shared with the Committee before it was submitted.

Members of the Committee echoed the disappointment with the settlement and particularly the lack of rural funding. It was enquired as to whether there could be a press release undertaken to express the Council’s recognition of the challenges faced across the district, especially in the rural communities, highlighting the disparity between rural and urban councils.

In addition to supporting the approach to the consultation process, Members noted the success of the S151 Officer and her team in attaining a balanced budget given the financial constraints, and expressed their thanks.

Having been moved, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the latest current estimated level of savings the Council is required to deliver in the period from 2025-26 to 2027-28 be noted; and

b)    the process to provide a consultation response to Government be noted; and

c)    the verbal update following the meeting of the Savings Board on 9 January 2025, summarising key areas of the consultation response to be contained in the Council’s response to Government, be accepted.