Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, Commissioning, IT, Digital and Commercialisation presented the report which provided detail about the latest assumptions for the 2022/23 budget and the updating of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) since the budget was set by Full Council in February 2021. The report also provided the latest financial position leading into the setting of the 2022/23 budget and the key dates in that will ultimately lead to the proposal of a balanced budget for 2022/23.

Cllr Church informed Cabinet that the report sets out the key dates to work towards and form a balanced Budget for 2022/23, taking into account the current levels of uncertainty, the process of setting plans and resources that will be essential for delivering on Wiltshire's recovery, post Covid 19.  Cabinet noted that even before COVID-19 the Council was forecasting a budget gap of £24m in this year rising to £38m in 2022/23. With the onset of the pandemic the Council had no alternative but to focus on assigning resources into maintaining services for Wiltshire residents and businesses rather than adopt plans to bridge the budget gap.

Cllr Pip Ridout, Chair of the Financial Planning Task Group, informed Cabinet that the Task Group had considered the report at its meeting held on 10 September 2021. Cllr Grant, Vice-Chair of the Task Group, commented on questions raised at the Task group meeting in relation to contract and pay inflation and whether the pre-determined figures were accurate.

Cllr Ian Thorn raised question in relation to the following matters:

·       The Council’s funding amount from the New Homes Bonus and the conversations taking place between the Council and Members of Parliament (MP’s); and how productive the conversations are. The Leader explained that conversations take place between the Council and MP’s on a regular basis and on a range of issues. The conversations with MP’s were positive in respect of planning and future conversations on other issues were dependant on the details contained in the comprehensive spending review.

·       Possible help and support to be offered to the Cabinet by ‘backbench’ members. Cllr Church confirmed that the Cabinet welcome feedback and scrutiny from ‘backbench’ members.

Resolved: Cabinet noted:

1. The updated position in respect of the current estimated financial gap for 2022/23.

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

Reason 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 current position for the setting of the 2022/23 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.