The Executive Member for
Transformation and Finance and the Borough Treasurer introduced the
Council’s draft budget proposals for 2013/14, which had been
agreed as the basis for consultation with the Commission, Overview
and Scrutiny Panels and other interested parties. The Executive
would consider all representations made at its meeting on 13
February before recommending the budget to Council.
The Borough Treasurer informed
Members that in December 2012, when the draft budget proposals had
been agreed as a basis for consultation, there was a predicted
funding gap of £1.7m. The Local Government Finance Settlement
had resulted in a loss of £1.2m in Government grant over and
above the budget forecast. However, the following additional
savings had been identified:
- £115,000
reduction in expenditure on Looked After Children
- £250,000
savings resulting from responsibility for 2 year olds being
transferred to the schools’ budget
- £200,00
reduction in the inflation contingency
- £138,000
savings resulting from the retendering of the Council’s
insurance contract.
- £377,000 additional income
from business rates retention.
The net effect of all the
changes was a revised predicted funding gap of
£1.9m.
Arising from Members’
questions and comments, the following points were noted:
- The Council was able
to make a full pre-payment on its pension fund contributions for a
further year so earning a higher discount than could be earned if
it invested the money whilst making monthly payments. However, the
Council was unlikely to have the cash resources available to pay
all pension contributions in advance in future years.
- Although Bracknell
Forest’s Council Tax was proposed to be frozen at present
levels, it was anticipated that the Police, Fire Authority and some
Town and Parish Councils would be raising their precepts resulting
in increased bills for Bracknell Forest residents. A leaflet would
be included with the bills sent to residents explaining how the
bill was arrived at together with an article in Town and Country.
However, it was acknowledged that many residents might not read the
information provided.
- Details of the
maintenance agreement for the new cremation equipment were
reported.
- There was a
sufficient underspend to cover the cost
of the current works at Coral Reef. Any losses to income would be
funded from contingencies.
- The £2.5m
identified in the 2013/14 capital programme and further funding in
future years for the Twin Bridges highways scheme was a proposal
that would be subject to approval by Council when considering the
budget. Funding would need to be agreed
before a detailed scheme could be drawn up. It was agreed to send a
Member information regarding the proposed works. . The Environment,
Culture and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel might review
this further.
- Members complimented
the Borough Treasurer on the clarity of his presentation of complex
budget issues.
The Executive Member for
Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection and the Director
of Corporate Services reported on the Corporate Services/Chief
Executive’s Office draft budget proposals. The Assistant
Chief Executive had tendered his apologies for being unable to
attend the meeting. £137,000 budget pressures had been
identified plus another £50,000 Council wide whilst
£437,000 savings were proposed. The emphasis was on
protecting services to residents, and increasing income where
possible. Some staffing reductions were proposed, which would
constrain the ability to deliver some objectives in the service
plan.
Arising from Members’
questions and comments, the following points were noted:
- The income target for both the
Outdoor Market and Market Street properties had been under-achieved
for a number of years. The budget pressure of £58,000 had
been identified as the Corporate Services Department could no
longer meet this shortfall from elsewhere in its
budget..
- It was agreed to send
a Member a copy of the Council’s ICT Category Strategy
detailing ICT expenditure together with details of expenditure on
consultants.
- The proposed
reduction in the Civic Service budget was based on underspends in previous years. It was agreed to
give further consideration to this reduction and send a Member
details of the budget.
- It was acknowledged
that moving staff from Seymour House into Ocean House whilst
accommodation works took place at Times Square would result in some
delay and disruption. However, in the circumstances, it was the
best option available.
- The proposed legal
and surveyor’s fees for property transactions were in line
with other local authorities and were broadly in line with
commercial rates although some activities e.g. Section 106
Agreements, were not undertaken in the private sector. The fees
were sufficient to cover costs.
- Members were informed
of proposals for the replacement of the Council Chamber audio
visual equipment which would include improved lighting and power.
It was anticipated that the cost would be significantly less than
the £43,000 estimate.
The Commission also received
feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Panels on their
consideration of the draft budget proposals.
The Commission agreed that the
draft budget be recommended to the Executive, alongside the
comments made above.