Pre-decision Scrutiny
·
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision
scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2022/23 – As at end of
September 2022
Members received information in relation to the delivery of
the 2022/23 Capital Programme.
Members queried the budget lines with in the appendix 1 of
the circulated report that are currently 0 expenditure. Members wanted
reassurance around the spending of those monies. Members were particularly
interested in having further information around the budget line in relation to
the ‘Regeneration: Valleys Task Force’. Officers informed members that they
would gather information outside the meeting and speak with the relevant
officers to provide a response to members.
Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board
Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2022/2023 - As at end of
September 2022
Members were provided with information in relation to the
Council’s projected revenue budget position.
The pay award for 2022/23 was discussed and members queried
the impact the pay award may have on Schools. It was asked whether Schools
would be able to cover the 1% due to the anticipated pay award being 5% and the
Welsh government settlement only allowing for 4%. Officers clarified that the
Council would allocate 4% to the pay award as this is what has been provided
from Welsh Government. Officers highlighted that due to the pay award and the
additional costings the schools maybe required to
utilise reserves to fund surplus of 2 million. Officers were not aware of any
schools that may result in a deficit due to this pay award, however Officers
confirmed that they would gather an analysis and share with Members.
Members shared their concerns around a potential 2 million
deficit and the use of their reserves. It was noted that the 1% additional cost
in relation to some schools budget will certainly adversely affect those that
have a larger budget as opposed to smaller schools. It was asked that
information be provided on the impact that the 1% additional cost in relation
to the pay award will affect primary and secondary schools (in number) that are
on recovery plans based on deficits going forward. It was also asked that this
information be circulated to the committee and passed to the Chair of
Education, Skills and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee to consider.
Members queried the costings for the Free School Meal roll
out for all reception children in Primary Schools. It was noted that the cost
of food and energy costs have increased and asked whether there would be an
impact on the budget along with Welsh Government reviewing the rate per meal to
ensure funding is significant. Officers confirmed that they would gather
figures and further information outside the meeting.
Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board
Medium Term Financial Plan 2022/23 to 2027/2028
Members were update on the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2023/24 to 2027/28, based on current modelling assumptions in advance of formulating the detailed budget strategy proposals for 2023/24 during the autumn and winter, ... view the full minutes text for item 4