The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee met on 09 January 2025 to discuss the 2025/26 budget proposals, review updated committee remits, and consider policy review guidance. Key decisions included noting the budget projections and agreeing to investigate the Council's available spaces for commercialisation.

2025/26 Budget Proposals for Services Within the Remit of Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee

The Committee considered the draft revenue budget and capital programme for services within its remit for the financial year 2025/26. This was part of the Council's agreed consultation process, with final recommendations to be made to the full Council on 27 February 2025. The Council aims to set a balanced budget for 2025/26, which will require drawing £6.4 million from reserves. The proposed five-year budget strategy focuses on driving value for money, maintaining low Council Tax, reviewing the operating model for efficiency, investing in new assets, and improving housing quality.

Members were informed of the significant financial challenges faced by local authorities, including increased demand for services, reduced government funding, and rising costs in areas such as adult social care and homelessness support. The budget strategy includes mechanisms such as increasing net savings, adjusting Council Tax policy within referendum thresholds, and releasing funding from reserves.

The report highlighted a projected £2.7 million underspend within the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure remit for the current financial year, attributed to factors like property services income exceeding expenditure and vacant posts within Corporate Services. However, the overall savings requirement for 2024/25 is £15.8 million, with a further £5.7 million carried forward from previous years, totalling £21.5 million. For the 2025/26 financial year, a savings programme of £32.6 million is proposed, with £7 million falling within the Committee's remit.

Key savings proposals include £1.1 million from Finance & Transformation, primarily through revenue and benefits automation, efficiencies from the Oracle Fusion system, and process reviews. Corporate Services aims to achieve £5.1 million in savings through its Digital Strategy, reshaping resident experience, and reviewing structures supporting HR, Legal, Communications, and Democratic Services. A significant saving of £5 million is anticipated from a full review of the Council's Target Operating Model in 2025/26, rising to £15 million in 2026/27. Cross-cutting initiatives are expected to generate £6 million in savings in 2025/26, including procurement savings and pension measures.

In terms of capital proposals, the Committee noted a total investment of £301.6 million over the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. Within the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure remit, £192.2 million is allocated to Property, Highways & Transport, including £19 million for the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre and £23.1 million for the Hillingdon Water Sports facility. Finance & Transformation has a £35 million budget for capitalisation support and the DSG recovery plan, while Corporate Services includes £13.2 million for Corporate Technology and Innovation.

The Committee agreed to provide comments on the budget proposals, acknowledging the complex and high-spending nature of the services within their remit. They noted the impact of external financial pressures and welcomed the financial strategy's eight budgetary aims. Concerns were raised about the consistent track record of unachieved savings and the need for greater commercial and financial awareness among senior managers and budget holders to foster a sustainable culture of financial understanding. The Committee commended the efforts of the Cabinet and officers in producing a balanced budget despite the challenging economic climate.

Updated Select Committee Remits

The Committee noted its updated remit, which reflects the new Cabinet portfolios and Directorates. The service areas scrutinised remain the same, but their descriptions have been updated for improved clarity and accountability.

Policy Review Discussion & Guidance

The Committee discussed a proposal for a policy review focusing on investigating available Council-owned spaces for business, private hire, letting, and commercialisation within the Borough. The aim is to create a comprehensive register of these spaces to streamline the rental process and explore income generation opportunities, particularly in light of hybrid working trends and the potential for film and TV production. The Committee agreed to take this topic forward for further review and investigation, noting the importance of working with the voluntary sector and community centres.

Forward Plan and Work Programme

The Committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan and its own Work Programme. The Work Programme outlines future meeting dates and allows for forward planning of the Committee's work for the current municipal year.

The meeting commenced at 7:00 PM and concluded at 8:44 PM.