The Chief Officer – Finance and Trading presented the report which set out updates to the 2023/24 budget process within the existing financial strategy.  SDC is not immune from the financial challenges affecting the country therefore this budget process is expected to be particularly challenging. 

No changes had been made to future assumptions at the stage which would be reviewed during the budget process, as usual.  However, due to the April 2022 pay award being higher than previously assumed and an annual savings target of £100,000 already included, an annual budget gap of £735,000 was currently reported.

The report presented growth and savings/additional income proposals that had been identified which needed to be considered. It requested further suggestions from Members before finalising the budget for 2023/24. Informed by the latest information from Government and discussions with Cabinet, it is proposed that the Council once again sets a balanced 10-year budget and continues to aim to be financially self-sufficient.

The Committee considered the growth and savings/additional income proposals identified in Appendices E & F to the report. They noted that SCIA 5 would be presented to the Finance & Investment Advisory Committee and did not consider it. The Assistant Chief Executive agreed to provide a short report on the Apprenticeship Levy in SCIA 3, and the restrictions on its use.

Action: For the Assistant Chief Executive to provide a report on the Apprenticeship Levy.

Further consideration was given to expanding the changes in Environmental Health’s working practices in other services. Their use of iAudit allowed for on-site reports to be created, which reduced time lost to travel, and structural changes meant trained officers spent less time on administrative work. They further discussed the energy use within the Argyle Road building, and the Council’s ongoing work to balance the heating with a single point of control. They also discussed the potential cost-saving effects of moving committee meetings to take place during the day, but acknowledged the possible impact this could have on attendance.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved:

(a)  That it be recommended to Cabinet that the growth proposal (SCIA 3) and savings/additional income proposals (SCIA’s 2 and 4) identified in Appendices E & F to the report applicable to this Advisory Committee, be considered.

(b)  That it be recommended to Cabinet that consideration be given to the following further suggestions:

Savings/additional income

(i)            Replicate Environmental Health’s working practices and structural changes across other services

(ii)           Continue to review the Council’s energy use in the Argyle Road building

(iii)         Examine the cost savings that daytime committee meetings could bring