Issue - meetings

The Financial Services Manager stated that the report previously circulated had now been superceded and gave a short presentation on the latest position with regard to the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013/2014 – 2015/2016 and in particular the revenue budget.

It was noted that as a result of a reduction in the Government Grant the Council needed to make further savings of £213,000. The presentation also detailed the unavoidable pressures such as a shortfall in income and an estimated staff pay rise of 1%. The savings to be developed through transformation (such as refuse vehicle route optimisation) and service reviews were estimated at £1,000,000.

It was reported that officers were still working to reduce the current shortfall of £297,000 and to review the savings which could be achieved to achieve a balanced budget. The likely position for future years was also noted.

The Leader requested that thanks be expressed to officers for their work in respect of the budget process in particular, but also in the light of the many other changes which were currently being introduced.    

RESOLVED that the current position for 2013/2014 – 2015/2016 be noted and that officers be requested to review the savings which could be delivered in order to achieve a balanced budget.