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Cabinet - Tuesday, 20th February, 2024 9.30 am

February 20, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The council meeting focused on budgetary discussions for the upcoming fiscal year, addressing significant financial gaps and proposing strategies to manage increasing demands on services like homelessness and social care. The council also reviewed treasury management and revenue provisions, alongside monitoring the current capital and revenue budgets.

  1. Council Fund Budget's Final Closing Stage: The council addressed a budget gap initially at $32.8 million, which increased to $33.187 million. Despite efforts, a $12.946 million gap remained. The council discussed increased demands, particularly in homelessness and out-of-county placements for children, leading to additional budget requirements. The decision to increase council tax by 9.1% was made to cover these gaps, alongside strategic cuts and reallocations within the budget to ensure a balanced financial plan. The implications include a higher financial burden on residents but aim to maintain essential services and manage financial risks with a new reserve fund.

  2. Treasury Management Strategy: The council reviewed and approved the Treasury Management Strategy for the fiscal year 24/25, which remained largely unchanged from the previous year. The strategy outlines how the council will manage its investments and debts to ensure financial stability. The decision supports ongoing fiscal prudence in managing council resources.

  3. Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy: The council decided to maintain the existing MRP policy, which dictates how much money should be set aside for debt repayment. This decision reflects the council's ongoing commitment to responsible financial management, ensuring that debts are managed prudently without necessitating policy changes.

  4. Revenue Budget Monitoring: The council reviewed the current year's budget performance, noting a projected operating deficit which had improved slightly from previous forecasts. Discussions included the impact of recent storms on financial resources and the need for emergency funding. The decision to monitor and manage spending closely was aimed at mitigating risks and managing deficits effectively.

  5. Capital Programme Monitoring: The council discussed adjustments to the capital programme, noting under-spending and the need for carry forwards in some areas. The decision to approve these adjustments ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and projects are aligned with current financial realities and needs.

The meeting was marked by detailed financial discussions, reflecting the council's efforts to address fiscal challenges in a structured and strategic manner. The decisions made were crucial for setting a sustainable financial path forward amidst economic pressures and increased service demands.

Attendees

Profile image for CllrSean Bibby
CllrSean Bibby  Labour •  Shotton West
Profile image for CllrRichard Jones
CllrRichard Jones  Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transformation and Assets •  Independent •  Buckley: Bistre East
Profile image for CllrPaul Johnson
CllrPaul Johnson  Cabinet Member for Finance and Social Value •  Labour •  Holywell West
Profile image for CllrDave Hughes
CllrDave Hughes  Leader of the Council / Leader of the Labour Group •  Labour •  Llanfynydd
Profile image for CllrHelen Brown
CllrHelen Brown  Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities •  Independent •  Hawarden: Aston
Profile image for CllrMared Eastwood
CllrMared Eastwood  Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure •  Eagle •  Argoed and New Brighton
Profile image for CllrAndrew Parkhurst
CllrAndrew Parkhurst  Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group •  Liberal Democrats •  Cilcain
Profile image for CllrGlyn Banks
CllrGlyn Banks  Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transportation •  Labour •  Llanasa and Trelawnyd
Profile image for CllrChristine Jones
CllrChristine Jones  Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Wellbeing •  Labour •  Queensferry and Sealand
Profile image for CllrDave Mackie
CllrDave Mackie  True Independents •  Hawarden: Ewloe
Profile image for CllrDavid Healey
CllrDavid Healey  Labour •  Caergwrle
Profile image for CllrDebbie Owen
CllrDebbie Owen  Vice-Chair of the Council •  Independent •  Connah's Quay Central
Profile image for CllrIan Roberts
CllrIan Roberts  Labour •  Flint: Castle
Profile image for CllrBill Crease
CllrBill Crease  Deputy Leader of the Independent Group / Chair of Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee •  Independent •  Connah's Quay South
Profile image for CllrDavid Coggins Cogan
CllrDavid Coggins Cogan  Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group •  Liberal Democrats •  Gwernaffield and Gwernymynydd
Profile image for CllrBilly Mullin
CllrBilly Mullin  Labour •  Broughton North East
Profile image for CllrMike Peers
CllrMike Peers  True Independents •  Buckley: Pentrobin
Profile image for CllrChris Bithell
CllrChris Bithell  Chair of Clwyd Pension Fund Committee •  Labour •  Mold East
Profile image for CllrAntony Wren
CllrAntony Wren  Independent •  Connah's Quay South

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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