Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

None received.

None received.

·        To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

Revenue Budget Proposals 2024/25

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

Capital Strategy and Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2026/27

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

Revenue Budget Proposals 2024/25

Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.

Members queried the difference in net income from the figures in the report that went out for consultation and the report for consideration at the meeting. It was noted that the budget gap had reduced by around £230,000 between the two reports. However, the level of council tax required to close the gap has also decreased from 10.3% to 7.9%. Members queried how the calculations were determined in relation to the income set out in both reports and what measures are being taken to ensure that the forecast for the income is accurate.

Officers advised that the draft budget proposals noted that the council tax could increase to approximately 10% however there was no specific proposal given in the consultation with regards to the figure required to close the gap. The reason for the significant difference relates to assumptions around the council tax support scheme. In December a prudent approach was taken with regards to the figures with a very prudent estimate of net council tax. When the figures then came forward, these were able to be input as required, which reflected the significantly less costs of the council tax reduction scheme.

Officer were confident that the figures in the report were prudent and that the 7.9% council tax can be met.

Officers advised that a detailed accurate report would not be possible during December as the later detailed report required Capita to input the various changes to benefit figures into their software externally in order to run the required reports.

Members asked for the changes between the two reports to be clearly outlined. Officers agreed to note the points made in relation to clearly outlining where figures are prudent and where worst-case scenario figures are shown this should be clearly highlighted within the report with an explanation. Officers will ensure these ideas are encompassed in next year’s reports.

Members queried the number of responses received in comparison to the previous year and if there was a way of increasing participation, by perhaps looking at what other local authorities are doing.

Officers advised that last year between paper and online questionnaires there were 581 responses received compared to 556 completed questionnaires this year. There were 13 responses received by email/letter last year with 6 received this year.  Last year 225 NPT employees engaged with the consultation compared to 146 this year. Last year 147 people attended meetings with only 52 attending this year. In terms of working with other Councils, officers confirmed that they were part of working groups who were discussing various ways to engage with citizens. Officers confirmed that the consultation period did not run over Christmas last year. This year it was out of officers hands in terms of the timing of the settlement announcement so the consultation being held over Christmas could not be avoided. Officers also confirmed, if the consultation period allows, in the future they would try and engage with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.