Agenda item

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report which set out proposals in respect of the following:

·                        The 2016/17 revenue budget forecast outturn

·                        The 2017/18 revenue budget

·                        The 2017/18 Schedule of Charges

·                        The 2016/17 (revised) to 2020/21 Capital Programme

·                        The Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 – 2020/21

·                        The Council’s Reserves

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property detailed a number of key points in respect of the 2017/18 revenue budget.  He highlighted a number of useful sections of the report and provided a detailed breakdown of the overall format of the report and supporting Essential Reference Papers.

The Head responded to a number of questions that had been submitted to Officers in advance of the meeting.  The Ambassador and Executive Member for Shared Services responded to a query from Councillor M Casey regarding long term loans and associated repayments that were detailed in the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). 

Officers and the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support responded to queries from Councillor M Pope regarding Charringtons House, agency costs in Planning and Building Control and the price reduction for recycling and the cost that was passed on to East Herts Council.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property responded to a query from Councillor M Casey regarding the annual pension fund deficit payment and the limited influence had by the Authority over what was part of a County Council Pension Scheme. 

Following a comment from Councillor K Crofton, the Head of Strategic Finance and Property confirmed that whilst Heads of Service were responsible for delivering against budgets, there was a culture of honesty with Heads of Services declaring any potential budget deviations.  He confirmed that many projects would not have gone ahead without the use of reserves.

Members had a general debate on the merits of increasing or decreasing Council Tax and they also discussed ongoing efficiency savings.  Councillor I Devonshire proposed and Councillor J Wyllie seconded, a motion that the Executive be advised that the joint meeting of Scrutiny Committees recommends a 2% increase in Council Tax.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

Members received the report and supported the recommendations now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and

(B)   the Executive be advised that the joint meeting of Scrutiny Committees recommends a 2% increase in Council Tax.