Agenda and minutes

None.

The minutes of the Meeting held on 1 November 2019 were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Concern was raised by a Member that there was no action sheet included in the agenda pack, nor was there in the previous agenda. There was mandatory training that was as in the previous meeting. Comment was then made that we have the action sheet to monitor and to follow up on actions that have not been completed and comments and recommendations are sent to Cabinet and Directors.

2020-21 Budget and Medium Term Financial Projections (MTFP)

Invitees

-          Meirion Rushworth – Head of Finance

-          Rhys Cornwall – Head of People and Business Change

-          Cllr Chris Evans – Chair of Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate

-          Cllr David Williams – Chair of Performance Scrutiny Committee – People

-          Tracy McKim – Policy, Partnership and Involvement Manager

-          Amy Peard – Finance Business Partner

Apologies was given for the Head of People and Business Change. The Head of Finance gave an overview of the report to the committee and to talk through the process the service areas had gone through this year. It was advised that the process was straightforward in the sense that it looks similar to past processes. As our own funding has only been confirmed for one year, it was important to identify cost increases, the Corporate Plan priorities on the cost side and funding is predicted. We still have an unbalanced medium term plan, most savings are based on next year, which is a source of frustration for all. This year, we tried to break the cycle by getting external help from consultants named Knights, in the Summer which brought a different energy and thought process. They worked with all Heads of Service to identify what we thought the saving opportunities we had. They also send a final report for areas we may want to look at to progress and develop.

Knights also reported how lean our Council’s structure compared to other councils they have worked with. Work was undertaken over the Summer, got to early Autumn and still targeting and balancing next years budget, which is challenging and frustrating for Heads of Services and internally. Cabinet was updated in December about the grant issue which came two days before the Cabinet meeting. This year was unique because of the election. The budget was based on planning assumptions, which is made clear in the report, the updated report is much more positive. Cabinet is now considering its position and make a decision on 14^th February.

The Head of Finance then advised that Cabinet will be updated on the increase of the minimum wage. The medium term is still uncertain. The national budget is due to be set in March, and an analysis has been done to see what that means for the Welsh Government budget. The Head of Finance was keen to stress the update in the early Summer when information is given about the March UK budget will be important. It doesn’t mean we can’t plan over the medium term, but it is difficult.

The Policy, Partnership and Involvement Manager advised that the consultation is running from December 2019 to 31st January 2020 so the final numbers are unknown. The team have worked closely with Heads of Services to see what proposals have been consulted on. Those have been promoted online, via social media and via public engagement events. It has also been promoted on the bus Wifi, the up  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.