Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services introduced the report and reminded Members there had been a workshop to discuss the Financial Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan the previous week.  He drew Members attention to the Business Rates Retention Scheme which was intended to move from 40% to 100% retention, although the government plans were uncertain, the recent adoption of the commercial strategy to generate income to close the budget gap, and, the provision of £0.8m to cover any unidentified pressures.

In response to questions from Members and the Scrutiny Committee, the Chief Executive and Portfolio Holder advised:-

·         The Transformation Project savings were on target and they would be reported on a quarterly basis.

·         There was an officer working group looking at generating and increasing services income.

·         Service prioritisation had not yet been agreed and this would be discussed in the future. 

·         One of the Peer Review members had been the leader of Sevenoaks Council and whilst SSDC were learning from other councils, there was no intention to necessarily copy them.

·         The finance staff worked closely with Town and Parish Council Clerks to advise them of any changes affecting their budget discussions at an early stage and to assist them in drafting their annual budgets.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to confirm the recommendations of the report.