Decisions

Cabinet:

i)  Notes the update within this report and the assumptions it has been necessary to make at this stage. Also that given the uncertainty involved, the pending local government finance settlement will be more crucial than ever in influencing the final budget proposals.

ii)  Notes the budget pressures which have been included in the forecast which are set out in paragraphs 27 to 29 and appendix 2.

iii)  Note the initial savings set out in paragraph 35 to 37 and appendix 4.

iv)  Notes that the budget proposals for conversation and consultation are based on the assumption that they will recommend a Council Tax increase, as outlined in paragraph 30, being 1.99% for a core increase and 2% extra specifically for Adults Social Care.

v)  Further notes that the Spending Review 2020 announced social care authorities will be able to charge a  3% precept to help fund pressures in social care. This is 1% more than the current draft budget assumption for 2021/22. Cabinet are asked to await the details of the provisional local government finance settlement and the funding it will provide before assessing if this extra flexibility on council tax should be considered.

vi)  Note the formal public consultation on the draft budget proposals will commence on 16 December 2020 and run until 19 January 2021 but that later comments received via paper consultation very shortly after this date will still be considered.

vii)  Notes that even with the proposals contained in this report, a budget shortfall of £3.97M is still currently forecast. Further work will therefore be needed should this gap persist once the provisional local government finance settlement is announced.

viii)  Notes the amendments to the capital programme contained in paragraphs 44 to 46.

(i)  To approve the suggested amendments to the attached Statement of Community Involvement.

(ii)  To adopt the amended Statement of Community Involvement.

(i)  To approve the proposal as advertised in the statutory notice, without modification, subject to the granting of planning permission. For implementation from 1 September 2022.

(ii)  To approve the spend of £1.11M for this project.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Green City and Place seeking approval to spend against Phase 1 of the Clean Growth Fund

(i)  To approve capital expenditure of £1.17 million from the existing Clean Growth fund capital scheme to be funded £0.59M from Contributions, £0.39M from Council Resources and £0.20M from Grants.

(ii)  To delegate approval to Executive Director of Finance and Commercialisation in consultation with Executive Director of Place to approve the terms and conditions agreement with Salix Finance to enable the drawdown of money in phase 1.

(iii)  To delegate approval to the Executive Director of Finance and Commercialisation, following consultation with the Executive Director of Place to secure additional grant funding or to approve changes to the delivery of phase 1 if required.