The Chief Finance Officer presented a report, which explained that this was the second stage of the budget process and ensured that all Members of the Advisory Committees had a role to play in the governance of the Council and the budget decision making process. He explained that since the current financial strategy was introduced in 2011/12, over £7 million of savings had been agreed.

To continue to have a balanced budget position and remain financially self-sufficient, a net savings requirement of £100,000 per annum was included in the budget.  The Chief Finance Officer also advised Members that other pressures may come out later in the budget process such as when the Local Government Finance Settlement was announced in December. These may result in additional savings being required.

Growth and savings proposals were included in the report for this Committee and Members were asked for their suggestions in order to achieve the £100,000 net saving required for the next year, which would be considered by Cabinet, before finalising the budget for 2019/20.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that

a)     the growth proposal identified in Appendix D to the report (SCIAs 11) applicable to this Advisory Committee, be considered:

b)     the savings proposals identified in Appendix D (SCIAs 12, 13, 14) applicable to this Advisory Committee, be considered; and

c)     preventative asset maintenance be put forward as a growth item in order to have it fully funded within five years;

d)     there were no further suggestions for savings.