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The Executive considered a
report in respect of a proposed range of General Fund and Housing
Revenue Account (HRA) budget options to be incorporated into the
2024/25 Revenue Budget process.
 
The Portfolio Holder for
Environment and Performance was pleased to note that the growth
proposals for 2024/25 included the creation of a new
Graduate/Trainee Planner post and the establishment of a post
dedicated to woodland and new tree management.
 
The Strategic Director (CF)
commented that balancing the budget continued to be challenging,
with a savings target of £1Million per year for the
foreseeable future.  The Council would
proceed with its Transformation Programme in order to assist in
identifying and realising future savings opportunities.  She confirmed that the budget included the impact
of the recently approved NJC Pay Award for staff.
 
It was
RESOLVED:
 
1.         
That the Balancing the Budget options, as set out in
the report, totalling £1,223,851 (saving) for the General
Fund and £77,134 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) respectively
for 2024/25, be approved and incorporated into the Council’s
budget setting processes.

 
2.         
That the Growth options included in Section 4.6.2 of
the report be approved for inclusion (subject to the savings
shortfall being identified) in the 2024/25 - General Fund
(£131,710) and HRA (£46,960) budgets.
 
3.         
That £40,000 be approved for the costs
associated with implementation of the Balancing the Budget options
within the 2023/24 budgets, as set out in Paragraph 4.9.4 of the
report, with the General Fund and HRA sharing the costs
50:50.
 
4.         
That the revised General Fund Medium Term Financial
Strategy financial summary, as shown in Section 4.11 of the report,
be noted.
 
5.         
That the completion of the Business Rates for
2024/25 (NDR 1) be delegated to the Strategic Director (Section 151
Officer), after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for
Resources and Transformation, as set out in Paragraph 4.3.4 of the
report.
 
6.         
That the increase in the two Planning fees, as
detailed in Paragraph 4.9.3 of the report, and amounting to an
additional £1,500 income, be agreed.
 
7.         
That the Council’s recognised trade unions be
consulted regarding the proposed budget package.
 
8.         
That key partners and other stakeholders be
consulted and their views considered as part of the 2024/25 budget
setting process.
 
Reason for Decision:  As contained in
report.
Other Options considered:  As
contained in report.