Agenda item

Revenue Budget 2018-19

Minutes:

The Service Lead Finance outlined details of the Revenue Budget for 2018/19 and the decisions required for the Council to achieve a balanced budget for the year ahead.  2018/19 was set to be another difficult year financially for the Council, with a continued reduction in Government funding, as well as an increased demand for Council services. It was outlined that the Council had successfully delivered a number of change projects in recent years, with a number of the Council’s services being delivered by private sector partners. An income of over £6.4 million had been generated by Slough Urban Renewal, which allowed the Council to protect frontline services whilst continuing with investment for key projects across the Borough.

 

The Committee were informed that a 4.5% increase in Council Tax was being proposed. 3% increase was due to the Government’s Adult Social Care precept and 1.5% for the Council to fund all other services. It was noted that funds would be used to address the homelessness issues in the Borough. Members were advised that the increase in Council Tax was the lowest when compared with other Berkshire Local Authorities. Details of the anticipated Fire Authority and Thames Valley Police precept levels were outlined.

 

A number of issues were raised by Members commenting on the proposed budget, including queries regarding the assessment and determination of fee levels for Burials & Cremations and Sex Establishments. It was agreed that an explanation relating to these would be circulated to the Committee. A Member queried the increase in Development Management Pre-Application Fee for a 1 dwelling property from £55 in 2017/18 to a proposed fee of £275 in 2018/19. It was explained that this due to the fact that the Council had not been charging what it should have been and the proposed fees were in line with those currently being charged by neighbouring local authorities. It was agreed that further details would also be circulated to Members relating to what information was included in requests for confirmation of compliance with an Enforcement Notice, Breach of Condition Notice or similar notice.

 

Responding to whether the planned savings target of £450k in 2018/19 for a reduction in agency staff were realistic and achievable, the Service Lead Finance assured explained that there would be a greater degree of control over agency staff as all would have to be processed through the new HR matrix system. The figures were also monitored on a monthly basis and the Committee were assured that the anticipated savings would be achieved.

 

Resolved – That details of theRevenue Budget 2018/19, as outlined in the report and appendices, be noted.

Supporting documents: