The Chief Finance Officer presented a report which set out updates to the 2015/16 budget within the existing framework of the 10-year budget and savings plan.  The report presented proposals that had been identified which the Committee considered and agreed.

Following on from the discussion during Minute 20, Cllr. Eyre proposed, and it was duly seconded that the budget for air quality monitoring be reduced and consolidated to £40,000 a year (£120,000 over three years).  This was put to the vote and the motion was lost by virtue of the Chairman’s casting vote.

Members further discussed the reduction of the budget but whilst in agreement that it should be reduced were divided as to the amount of the reduction.

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 and savings proposals identified in Appendix C to the report, be agreed; and

b)    an additional saving be made on the budget for local air quality monitoring with a reduction to either £40k per year (an ongoing annual reduction of £18k),  or £45k per year (an ongoing annual reduction of 13k).