Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding budget setting and provisional cash limits 2019/20

[Councillor Mans declared a Personal Interest by virtue of being a Board Member for the Enterprise M3 LEP and remained in the meeting]

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding budget setting and provisional cash limits 2019/20.

In introducing the report, the Chairman noted that the final financial settlement for 2019/20 had not yet been received; he highlighted the loan being made available to the Enterprise M3 LEP and the position on Members’ devolved budgets.

The Director set out the key elements of the report, with particular reference to the autumn budget statement and consequential increase in funding in specific areas for the County Council. Across the organisation departments all faced financial pressure and were working hard to remain within cash limits and to develop high level savings targets for Transformation to 2021. It was confirmed that the loan facility being made available to the LEP was to enable cash flow for projects crossing financial years.

Councillor House addressed Cabinet at the invitation of the Chairman.

He raised a number of points relating to the County Council’s load to the LEP, affordable homes and the implications of the end of austerity as announced by the Prime Minister.

It was confirmed that LEP loans were effectively secured via the assured income to the LEP from an agreed government grant.

Cabinet Members noted that the report detailed provision for the continuation of service provision for vulnerable Children and Adults within the resources available. The scale of the Capital Programme, which also generated significant investment in the Hampshire economy was recognised as were the benefits of working with partners to ensure joined up service delivery. It was highlighted that new housing was the responsibility of District Councils, however the County Council had been very successful in the delivery of high-quality Extra Care housing.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. The decision record is attached.