Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Finance Officer and Director of Corporate Operations regarding 2022-23 budget setting an update on the in-year financial position.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor House addressed Cabinet, asking what financial implications had arisen as a result of the Environment Bill and questioning how the shortfall of £17 million would be resolved.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor Porter also addressed Cabinet. She noted the positive investments in Children’s Services that were detailed in the report, but expressed concern that where work was delayed the agreed spend could prove insufficient due to price inflation. Councillor Porter also questioned the implications for Parish and Town Councils and for the lengthsman scheme.

The Leader noted that a meeting for all Town and Parish Councils was scheduled to take place and this would provide an opportunity to discuss.

Key points in the report were set out, in particular the implications of the spending review on funding for adult social care. It was highlighted that the usual approach was being proposed of meeting shortfalls with reserves and then incorporating them into future savings programmes; greater certainty would be available when the settlement had been announced. It was confirmed that the implementation date of the Environment Bill would determine the level of savings arising from it and the permanent funding proposed for the climate change team was highlighted.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the long-term commitment to the climate change team. Efficiency upgrades to schools using Salex grant funding from government were recognised as was success in the recycling of asphalt.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision

record is attached to these minutes.