Issue - meetings

This report provides background information for the council’s overall Financial Strategy and presents the savings proposals and growth assumptions for the portfolios of the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education and the Executive Member for and Culture, Leisure and Communities for consideration by both Executive Members before finalisation of the overall Financial Strategy, to be presented to Executive on 11 February 2021.

Resolved: 

(i)      That the feedback from consultation for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios, as set out in Annex 3 to the report, be noted.

(ii)    That the following be agreed for inclusion within the overall Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26 to be presented to Executive on 11 February 2021 and Full Council on 25 February 2021:

a)      The 2021/22 revenue savings proposals for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios portfolios, as set out in Annex 1 to the report.

b)      The 2021/22 revenue growth proposals for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios, as set out in Annex 2 to the report.

c)      The new schemes for inclusion in the 2021/22 to 2025/26 Capital Programme as set out in Annex 4 to the report.

Reason:     To ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to feed into the budget process in advance of the finalisation of the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26.

The Executive Members considered a report which set out the draft savings proposals, growth assumptions and capital schemes relating to their portfolios, providing an opportunity to receive feedback in advance of the presentation of the overall Financial Strategy to Executive on 11 February 2021.

The report outlined the national and local context of the overall strategy, highlighting the unprecedented financial challenges resulting from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which had generated an in-year financial pressure of £15m for the council.  Revenue savings of £7.9m were required in 2021/22.  Savings proposals for the two relevant portfolio areas were set out in Annex 1 to the report, with growth proposals in Annex 2 and capital schemes in Annex 4.  Feedback received to date on the public consultation on those proposals was attached at Annex 3.  It was noted that the budget consultation would continue until 31 January.

The Director of People reported that it had been a challenging time for the People Directorate, which had seen a rise in demand in service areas where demand was already high, namely in SEND and children’s social care (which was starting to plateau as more people accessed early help). She noted that officers were looking at different approaches to strengthen areas and to support people area. In relation to the Designated Schools Grant (DSG) she noted that a recovery plan for this would be examined due to the reduced offer from the government.

The Executive Members thanked officers for their work and speakers for their comments, noting the that early help would help families and recognising the varied role of the communities teams.

Resolved: 

(i)      That the feedback from consultation for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios, as set out in Annex 3 to the report, be noted.

(ii)    That the following be agreed for inclusion within the overall Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26 to be presented to Executive on 11 February 2021 and Full Council on 25 February 2021:

a)      The 2021/22 revenue savings proposals for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios portfolios, as set out in Annex 1 to the report.

b)      The 2021/22 revenue growth proposals for Children, Young People and Education and Culture, Leisure and Communities portfolios, as set out in Annex 2 to the report.

c)      The new schemes for inclusion in the 2021/22 to 2025/26 Capital Programme as set out in Annex 4 to the report.

Reason:     To ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to feed into the budget process in advance of the finalisation of the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26.