To agree consultation arrangements to inform the process for setting the 2020/21 budget and developing the medium term financial strategy (MTFS).

The cabinet member finance and corporate services introduced the report, supported by the head of corporate performance. It was highlighted that:

·        There was intended to be a more actively consultative approach to setting the 2020/21 budget;

·        It was proposed that engagement with stakeholders be frontloaded in the timetable and would take a variety of forms across a range of localities;

·        Existing forums, groups and meetings would be utilised;

·        Formal consultation would take place later than in previous years and would be based on a draft budget and corporate priorities informed by the stakeholder engagement;

·        The new corporate plan would run for a four year period, the new budget and medium term financial strategy would align to the priorities in the new plan.

In discussion of the report, it was noted that:

·        The settlement from central government was expected to be a single year settlement and the announcement was likely to be very late December, officers were working hard to make robust assumptions about what the settlement would contain;

·        Revenue funds would remain tight and it would be necessary to establish the absolute key priorities;

·        The council would look at opportunities to make savings in a sustainable manner and at options to increase income streams from chargeable services and other sources;

·        It was important to consult with trade unions as part of the process;

·        Council staff would also be encouraged to identify new and more efficient ways of doing things;

·        Ward members would be encouraged to help identify hard to reach areas and methods to engage these communities.

The scrutiny committees would be engaged with as part of the consultation process. The chairman of the general scrutiny committee noted that the committee hoped to have an early meeting to discuss the budget and then a further meeting in January 2020. The cabinet member finance and corporate services welcomed this approach and noted that a draft budget should be ready in November for early consideration.  

Group leaders were invited to present the views of their group. In response to comments, it was noted that:

·        Pressures were anticipated in the children and families directorate due to the uncertainties that were inherent in child protection work and in the rising costs of adult social care due to the aging population;

·        Parish councils would be an important stakeholder in the consultation and a parish summit about the budget would take place in the early autumn;

·        Individual meetings with the city council and market town councils would also take place in recognition that these bodies represented two thirds of county residents.

It was agreed that:

(a)         the proposed timetable for the development and adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the 2020/21 budget be approved;

(b)        the approach for consulting on budget proposals for 2020/21  as set out in paragraphs 12 to 17 be approved; and

(c)         the timescales and proposals for engagement on the council’s priorities for a new corporate plan be approved.