Issue - meetings

Report from the Chief Executive to follow.

Cllr Pauline Church presented the proposed approach and context to the setting of the 2021/22 budget and the updating of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the key dates in setting the budget and the activity that

will be undertaken in proposing a balanced budget.

Cllr Church referred to table 10 in the report and highlighted that the current MTFS base assumptions would need a complete review and be refined for their appropriateness in the current and anticipated circumstances. The Cabinet noted that the right balance must be struck in relation to General Fund reserves, as substantially building up reserves in a time of recovery would not be the right approach or timing for delivering essential services to Wiltshire communities, residents and businesses. It was therefore proposed that a reserve strategy be developed for the 2021/22 budget.

Cllr Alan Hill, Vice-Chair of Wiltshire Covid-19 Response Task Group, provided feedback from the Task Group and indicated that the Task Group had been involved in the process of the Council’s current financial position.

In response to questions in relation to estimated Council Tax income for 2021/22 and the future level of reserves, Cllr Church and the Interim Corporate Director Resources (Section 151 Officer) confirmed that a review of assumptions would be undertaken to determine the level of Council Tax income for 2021/22. The level of future reserves would be based on an assessment of risk of Council operations and will be considered further over the coming months.

Resolved:

To note:

1. The intended approach and overarching framework for setting the 2021/22 budget, with further reports coming back to Cabinet as required.

2. The key dates and timescales that are required to set a balanced budget.

Reasons for decision:

To inform effective decision making and ensure sound financial management as part of the Councils overall control environment.

To inform Cabinet on the intended process and context for setting the 2021/22

budget, even given the current levels of uncertainty, it begins the process and focus for setting plans and resources for providing the services and support that will be essential for delivering on Wiltshire’s recovery from COVID-19.