RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet agreed the proposed Council Tax Base for 2023/24 set out in paragraph 2.7 and Appendix 1.

2. That Cabinet considered and agreed the second tranche of draft growth proposals for 2024/25 to 2027/28 (Appendix 5) put forward by officers and refers them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission in January 2024 for consideration and comment.

3. That Cabinet considered and agreed the amendment to the savings 2024/25 with the removal of saving ECPC 2425 S02

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services introduced the paper, a further update to the budget paper, subsequent to papers brought in November. 

The Cabinet Member noted that the cost of services has risen significantly and advised that Council tax would have to increase next year.  The Cabinet Member stated that it is disappointing to pass costs onto tax payers however it was necessary and members would continue to lobby for the long term funding that councils need. 

The Cabinet Member noted that the budget is balanced and met obligations and would go through a second round of scrutiny later this month. 

In response to questions Cabinet Members stated the following:

-       7000 households that receive Council Tax relief will be protected from council tax rises.  We also have the cost of living fund, financial advice days (which include a £10 voucher for weekly shop for attendees), we are also helping young people develop saving habits among other initiatives.

-       Adult social care is an area that puts notable strain on the budget due to increased volumes of more complex work.  We have creative senior officers who find ways to save money while providing an excellent service.

-       We are proud of our safety record in the Borough.  Keeping people safe is a strategic priority, the cctv network is being updated, new cameras, and which need monitoring an dtherefore £365,000 has been allocated for staffing. 

-       A budget is being put forward which is balanced and delivers on value for money while protecting the front line services.

The Leader thanked officers and cabinet members for their work.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet agreed the proposed Council Tax Base for 2023/24 set out in paragraph 2.7 and Appendix 1.

2. That Cabinet considered and agreed the second tranche of draft growth proposals for 2024/25 to 2027/28 (Appendix 5) put forward by officers and referred them to the Overview and Scrutiny panels and Commission in January 2024 for consideration and comment.

3. That Cabinet considered and agreed the amendment to the savings 2024/25 with the removal of saving ECPC 2425 S02