Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Streetscene and Transportation, and Planning, Environment and Economy cost pressures, as outlined within the report, be noted;

(b)       That no further cost efficiency areas be proposed by the Committee to be explored further;

(c)        That the Committee support the overall budget strategy;

(d)       That the Committee re-affirm the Council’s position on local taxation policy;  and

(e)       That the Committee support the Council’s expectations of Governments, as outlined within the presentation provided

The Chief Executive introduced a report on the Streetscene and Transportation, and Planning, Environment and Economy cost pressures and overall budget strategy. The Committee was invited to review the costs pressures and risks and advise on any potential efficiency options to explore.  The Chief Executive advised that the report was to be submitted to all five Overview & Scrutiny Committees for consideration and feedback would be provided to the meeting of Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee  on 12 November and following to Cabinet and County Council.

The Chief Executive, Strategic Finance Manager, and Finance Manager,  gave a joint presentation on the Medium Term financial Strategy (MTFS) and Council Budget 2021/22 which covered the following main points:

·                     financial forecast for 2021/22

·                     the future – what we advised back in February

·                     summary totals of cost pressures

·                     Streetscene and Transportation portfolio specific cost pressures

·                     Planning Environment & Economy Portfolio specific cost pressures

·                     solutions – three part solutions and risk-taking

·                     national position and funding

·                     potential funding scenarios

·                     budget timetable

·                     support and challenge today 

Councillor Paul Shotton asked if any potential savings could be achieved on the use of recycled plastics for road resurfacing, share/hire of council owned garden equipment and tools etc.  Responding to the use of recycled plastics for road resurfacing the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that a pilot scheme had been undertaken and work was progressing with the Welsh Government and a local supplier.  Regarding the suggestion around hiring out garden equipment etc. the Chief Officer advised that the Authority was submitting  a bid to the Welsh Government Economy Fund for use, repair, or subsequent resale/hire of such equipment which would provide a social benefit for people in financial hardship.

Officers responded to the further questions raised by Members around storage of recycled materials, SuDs. and Council tax.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Paul Shotton   and seconded by Councillor Patrick Heesom.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Streetscene and Transportation, and Planning, Environment and Economy cost pressures, as outlined within the report, be noted;

(b)       That no further cost efficiency areas be proposed by the Committee to be explored further;

(c)        That the Committee support the overall budget strategy;

(d)       That the Committee re-affirm the Council’s position on local taxation policy;  and

(e)       That the Committee support the Council’s expectations of Governments, as outlined within the presentation provided.