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.

Members discussed possible new growth proposals. They questioned whether there is a provision in the local plan budgets for a strategic communications strategy. The Chief Finance Officer confirmed there was.

Members also considered whether Sevenoaks District Council could have their car parks sponsored.

Also considered was whether there could be more advertising in InShape. The Chairman confirmed that this could not be done as the printing costs and posting for something with more pages would outweigh the revenue received by more advertising.

Finally, Members also expressed an interest in looking at associated costs with creating a training course hub for the District’s taxi drivers, whether more could be done to publicise the Council’s MOT test centre and whether a service level agreement could be put in place for operators of council premises to use the print studio.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved: That

a)            no growth and savings proposals had been identified; and

b)            the following saving suggestions be discussed further

·         sponsorship of the Council’s car parks

·         a taxi licensing training centre at the Council’s offices

·         an increase in the publicity of the Council’s MOT test centre

·         A service level agreement for operators of council premises to use print studio