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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, as detailed within the circulated report.
The Chief Executive informed members of the upcoming
challenges and the uncertainty around the potential settlement when setting the
budget.
Discussions took place around the transitioning of buildings
for renewable energy. Members welcomed this approach due to the current
circumstances around energy prices. The Chief Executive highlighted that there
is clear direction in making efficient economic measures such as such as
switching off lights in unused rooms within civic buildings. It was also noted
that discussions are taking place around how many buildings would need to be
retained within the portfolio. It was highlighted that there is roughly a 20%
occupancy within the buildings currently and officers considering options in
repurposing the buildings to ensure appropriate savings are being made.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.
Welsh Language Promotion Strategy Review
Members were informed of the proposed arrangements to review
the Welsh Language Promotion Strategy.
Members highlighted the benefits of the previous Welsh Language Promotion Strategy Task and Finish group. Members welcomed the approach on re-establishing this Task and Finish Group to further support the Welsh Government in reaching targets to promote the welsh language and the strategy.
It was asked how the group would be populated. It was noted that if Cabinet were minded to approve the recommendation the Head of Democratic Services would be delegated authority to arrange and facilitate the establishment of the Task and finish group.
Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board