Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the Revenue Budget and Precept 2019/20

[Councillor Kendal declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being the County Council’s representative on the a Director of the Manydown Garden Communities LLP company]

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the Revenue Budget and Precept 2019/20.

The report was introduced and key points were highlighted. It was confirmed that the final grant settlement had been received and there was no change to the County Council, but there was a change to council tax flexibility for East Hampshire District Council. The 2019/20 budget was set out and an update provided on the position of the 2018/19 budget, noting that this was based on financial targets agreed in autumn 2017. Demographic and other pressures were identified in the context of the need to invest in the transformation of services and specific pressures facing each department were explained. Details of the proposed arrangements to make a loan to the Manydown Garden Communities LLP Company and the expected return were set out.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Keith House addressed Cabinet, raising concerns about the impact of reduced funding from government for the County Council.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Jackie Porter addressed Cabinet, suggesting that additional funding for Children’s Services should be included in the base budget rather than held in contingency.

The Director of Corporate Services explained the approach to budget setting, in particular around estimating inflationary and demand pressures and efficiency savings. She drew attention to Appendix 6 of the report, confirming her professional view that the budget was properly set.

Cabinet welcomed the budget report, noting that no new savings were proposed and that service delivery would continue to evolve to meet the financial position and the needs of service users. It was furthermore recognised that balancing public sector spending was a significant challenge for government and many areas were under pressure.

The recommendations in the report were proposed and agreed and the decision record can be found as an appendix to these minutes.