Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Business Support Team Leader regarding the Prosperous Communities Committee Draft Budget 2025/2026 and estimates to 2029/2030. It was explained that the net base budget had increased from 2024/25 by £0.781m, with significant movements listed in the table provided at Appendix 4 of the report.

It was highlighted that £0.222m of the movement was an increase in approved use of earmarked reserves – which included the Community Grant programme previously funded from UKSPF, an adjustment to the budget for SLM leisure to reflect the current contract value and fixed term resources.

The remaining £0.559m was mainly due to an increase in salary budgets which had been affected be several factors, including:

• An assumed pay award of 3% for 25/26
• The continuation of the 24 hour CCTV service, previously funded through a combination of General Fund Balances and UKSPF grant, and
• Changes to employers’ national insurance. Officers were waiting for confirmation of the NI Compensation Grant from Government, which was due in February 2025, however, estimates were at 55% of the budgeted figure for national insurance.

There had also been an increase in The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan contribution of £39,000, as approved by the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

The Wellbeing Contract was a reduction in income of £19,000 from 2024/25, however the new contract was a gain for the MTFP of £77,000 in 2025/26 as the service had not been budgeted for beyond 2024/25.

Increased expenditure had been partly offset by the fees and charges review which had increased income by £146,000. Whilst Officers awaited the final settlement due in February, they were able to report that the proposed budgets for this committee contributed towards a balanced budget for 2025/26.

It was highlighted that Members were asked to recommend the budget to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

Members of the Committee expressed their thanks for the clear summary of the report, however, enquired as to whether there could be further work undertaken in relation to the provision costs of the CCTV service. It was noted that the increased monitoring had been approved previously, making use of UKSPF monies, however with funding coming to an end, it was requested that a review be undertaken. Specific areas of interest included whether the 24/7 service was still required, or whether there could be contributions sought from other organisations who gained benefits of the 24/7 CCTV provision. It was noted that it had been agreed for the Savings Board to receive such a review into the services, and this would be further shared with Committee Members in a timely manner. It was also confirmed that the figures included within the budgets were the uplift costs when the service was increased to 24/7 monitoring.

In response to a question regarding consultation responses, it was suggested that a more focussed approach with Town and Parish Councils might generate a greater response rate from parishes.

With no further comments or questions, and having been moved, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that Members recommend the Prosperous Communities Budget 2025/2026 and revenue estimates to 2029/2030 to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for the purpose of budget setting 2025/2026 and for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 (as amended by any decisions taken on this agenda).