Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Members and officers to the virtual meeting. The Chairman explained that in light of the new COVID measures and following discussion with officers he had agreed that we hold this meeting virtually rather than meet in person to follow the guidance, protect public health, minimise risks and also to comply with statutory requirements for our meetings.

Due to technical issues with the webcast, the meeting adjourned at 6.45pm and reconvened at 7.00pm.

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

6. Budget Proposals 2022/23 - 2026/27.

Councillor Shaida Hussain, Non Statutory Interest, as a Trustee of Banbury Museum.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26 October 2021.

The Committee indicated agreement of the Minutes of the meeting of the 26 October 2021 as a correct record.  The Chairman advised that the minutes would be formally agreed at the next in person meeting of the Committee and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

The Chairman reminded the Committee that any staffing matters arising from budget proposals should not be discussed at the Budget Planning Committee meeting but would be considered by the council’s Personnel Committee as per its remit in the constitution.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There were no matters of urgent business.

**This report is being reviewed and finalised and will be published when the public consultation starts.**

Report of Director of Finance

Resolved

(1)      That, having given due consideration, Executive be advised that the Budget Planning Committee endorse the proposed capital bids, for inclusion as part of the 2022/23 budget proposal.

(2)      That officers be requested to provide the following additional information on the following areas of the budget 2022/23 proposals:

·                 a copy resident’s survey questions and a demographic breakdown of the  respondents.

·                 details of the Leisure Facilities review and savings.

·                 information on the economic impact and health benefits to the district of the Women’s Tour Cycling Race.

·                 In relation to the car parking Equality and Climate Impact Assessment, details of the metrics used to choose car parks in the assessment.

·                 details of services offered at the Bicester and Kidlington link points prior to their closure due to the Covid 19 pandemic.              

The Director of Finance submitted a report which set out the capital bids and revenue savings proposals and budget pressures for Cherwell District Council for the period 2022/23 to 2026/27. 

The Director of Finance explained that the Government’s spending review announcement on 27 October 2021 had provided some clarity with regards to funding, however the Local Government Finance Settlement had not yet been announced so there was still an unknown element in the figures for 2022/23. A provisional settlement figure was due to be announced the week commencing 13 December and it was not known if this would be a one or multi- year settlement. Due to a consultation linked to some of the elements, the final figure would not be known until February 2022.  The assessments would then be included with the full budget papers to be considered by Executive in February 2022 for recommendation to Full Council in February 2022.

The Corporate Director Customers, Organisational Development and Resources gave an overview of the results of the resident’s survey.  The key findings gave an overall satisfaction and the main priorities for residents were  recycling and anti-social behaviour.

In response to Members’ questions the Corporate Director Customers, Organisational Development and Resources explained that the survey questions were consistent with previous resident’s survey questions.  The survey had been undertaken prior to the food waste collection changes and therefore the responses would not reflect these changes.

Following additional questions from the Committee the Corporate Director Customers, Organisational Development and Resources undertook to provide Members with a copy of the resident’s survey questions and a demographic breakdown of the respondents.

Executive Lead Members and Directors gave an overview of the pressures and proposed savings by service area within each directorate and answered questions from the Committee.

In relation to the housing proposals, and a Committee Member query regarding the proposals setting out there would be no impact on service delivery, the Lead Member for Housing explained service delivery would continue and a change of accounting procedure resulted in savings.

In relation to the leisure facilities savings proposals, in response the questions from the Committee seeking clarity of the changes to achieve the savings, the Assistant Director - Wellbeing explained that the priority was to retain a core offer in the three urban centres. The Assistant Director – Wellbeing undertook to provide a detailed note to Members explaining the review and savings in Leisure Facilities outside of the meeting.

With regards to proposals in the Environment and Place directorate, the Corporate Director, Environment and Place responded to questions regarding the economic impact and health benefits to the district of the Women’s Tour Cycling Race and advised that the council had contributed a relatively modest budget.  He was not aware of any direct studies but would liaise with   Experience Oxfordshire and circulate any relevant information to Members.

In response to a query regarding the certainty of savings arising from reduced waste facility processing changes as a result of improved recycling material prices, the Corporate Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To review the Committee Work Plan.

Resolved

(1)      That the Committee Work Plan be noted.

The Committee considered its work plan.

Resolved

(1)      That the Committee Work Plan be noted.