Issue - meetings

Council were presented with the Revenue and Capital Budget 2016/17, final proposals following budget consultation.  The purpose was:

1.    To update Council with the consultation responses to the budget proposals issued by Cabinet on the 7th October 2015 and 3rd December 2015 in respect of the Capital and Revenue budgets.

2.    To update members with implications arising from the provisional Settlement announcement of the Welsh Government.

3.    To make recommendations to Council on the Capital and Revenue budgets and level of Council Tax for 2016/17.

4.    To receive the Responsible Financial Officer’s Prudential Indicator calculations for capital financing.

5.    To receive the statutory report of the Responsible Financial Officer on the budget process and the adequacy of reserves.

The Cabinet Member thanked Officers and members of the public.

County Councillor D. Batrouni opposed the budget, reasons included DFG, cuts to vital areas, effect on schools and transport issues surrounding Deri View.

County Councillor S. Howarth proposed an amendment that, two mandates B14 & B15 were retained in budget, this was duly seconded.

In presenting the amendment County Councillor Howarth highlighted the following regarding mandates:

·         B11 – Further information was requested at the select committee regarding savings and reorganisation.  £315k, further information was awaited.

·         B14 – Explanation was requested as to why urbanised areas would still retain cuts. 

·         B15 – Reduction of crews and vehicles.  Clarification was requested regarding how work would be undertaken and how services would be delivered.

·         B21 – Working with town and community councils.  Requirement for further transparency and a need to work together.

During debate we noted the following:

·         A member opposed to the reduction in highways budget.  The importance of service delivery and appropriate infrastructure was highlighted.  It was felt that cutting would improve appearance throughout the county.  

·         Council were reminded that the authority were under significant pressure, priority areas were schools and social services.

·         Officers confirmed that hedge cutting in urban areas was undertaken twice a year.  Particular focus was maintained on rural routes and lanes.

·         A number of Members commended officers in making the efficiency savings that were required. 

·         Significant concerns were expressed regarding the Future Generations Assessment, which appeared to be incomplete and that final versions should be available.  The authority had been an early adopter of the Future Generations Act and the detail would be helpful, so that members could have identified the impact on future generations.

·         It was suggested that additional funding could be found through an increase in Council Tax.  Opposing views were that Council Tax should not be increased and the public could not afford constant increases.

·         Further information was requested regarding the demographic breakdown of consultees during budget engagement.  In response, council were informed that a lot of engagement was undertaken and responses were evaluated.

Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was defeated. 

We debated the original recommendation:

·         Detail was requested regarding the accumulation of debt, through council tax collection and what was written off.

·         A member highlighted that an increase in council tax would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8