This presentation will outline the Council’s strategy to the 2022-23 Budget within the context of the Corporate Plan.? The presentation will provide details of the approach to setting the budget for the next financial year and the broad impact this will have on the delivery of services.
Minutes:
Councillor Sanderson, Leader and Councillor Wearmouth, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services provided a power point presentation advising that this provided initial thoughts on the budget although no specific new initiative announcements would be made as these would come out closer to the budget being presented to Council. A copy of the presentation would be attached to the signed minutes and provided with the meeting documents on the Council’s website.
It was highlighted that key services had continued through the second year of the pandemic and Councillor Sanderson stated that he was immensely proud to be the Leader of the Council in a County which looked as good as Northumberland despite the effects of Covid and Storm Arwen. He took the opportunity to thank all front line staff for their continued work stating he was very proud of them. He continued by advising that it was hoped that no cuts to any front line services would be made during the budget process as a thanks to the staff across the services. The way services had continued to be run through the pandemic had been exemplary.
It was stated that the pandemic should have been a huge economic shock, however due to the Government funding with furlough and business support grants this had not been the case within Northumberland, with no increase in unemployment which was better than the national and regional averages. There was a strong economy with the increase in staycations and the ability of businesses to keep going, along with major investors coming into the County such as BritishVolt and JDR Cable. The Corporate Plan’s vision and aims were outlined with the overarching priorities of driving economic recovery, through growth, investment and jobs; and, tackling health inequalities in our communities through addressing the wider determinants, including income, education, housing and environment highlighted.
The overall funding context for the 2022/23 budget was provided with it being highlighted that any increase in Council Tax precept remained at 2% without holding a referendum with an additional 1% for Adult Social Care for the next three years. Details were also provided on how the Council would continue to invest in the future of the County.
In line with previous practice the Budget for the next year and the MTFP model had been reviewed. A savings requirement of £9.704 million had been identified as required to balance the budget for 2022-23. A provisional savings requirement of £28 million had been calculated as necessary for the following two financial years. The approach to identifying spend and savings within the budget were outlined and details provided on proposed savings by Portfolio Holder.
Members were advised that 200 comments had been made on the public consultation on the budget proposals which would be fed into proposals along with the views of Overview and Scrutiny Committees before final proposals were put to full Council on 23 February 2022.
Councillor Dodd advised of concerns regarding proposals for tree planting and re-wilding of the countryside and problems the latter could pose for Farmers in trying to grow good crops and support themselves, especially when it effects the delicately balanced uplands of the County. He also advised of the importance of providing shelter belts to protect against storms. Councillor Sanderson advised that agriculture was a very important part of the County’s economy and recognised the serious concerns in relation to Government proposals for farming stating it was vitally important for the Council to listen and find a balance between environmental issues and becoming self-sufficient. He advised of meetings being held involving the North of Tyne Combined Authority, tenant farms, National Farmers Union, National Park along with the Council’s Environmental team to come up with proposals to send to George Eustice and DEFRA highlighting the importance of that balance. Councillor Wearmouth also advised of the importance of sensitive planning and management of forestry and the need for good training facilities within the County.
The opportunity was once again taken to sincerely thank all staff across all services along with County Councillors for their efforts during and in the aftermath of Storm Arwen.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.