The Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 7 January 2025 to review the council's draft budget for the upcoming financial year. The group was set to hear from Cabinet Members responsible for key service areas, including Culture & Leisure, Health & Wellbeing, Homelessness & Regulatory Services, and Planning & Regeneration. The discussions were intended to inform the council's budgetary decisions.

Culture & Leisure

The group was scheduled to hear from Councillor Clive Harriss, the Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure. This session was planned to include an introduction to his priorities and the overarching strategy for the budget within this portfolio, followed by questioning from the inquiry group.

Health & Wellbeing

Councillor Angela Macpherson, the Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, was due to present her priorities and the strategic approach to the budget for her area. The inquiry group was scheduled to engage in questioning following her introduction.

Homelessness & Regulatory Services

Councillor Mark Winn, the Cabinet Member for Homelessness & Regulatory Services, was expected to outline his priorities and the budget strategy for his department. The agenda indicated that the inquiry group would then question him on these matters.

Planning & Regeneration

The meeting was scheduled to include a session with Councillor Peter Strachan, the Cabinet Member for Planning & Regeneration. He was to present his priorities and the budget strategy for this area, with the inquiry group then undertaking questioning.

The meeting's agenda also referenced several background papers, including the Draft Budget Report, the Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme, and the Council Tax Base Report, all of which were available for attendees to review. These documents provide information on the draft budget and related financial plans for the 2025-26 period.