Purpose

The report provides Members with proposed
budgeted investments, income growth and savings for 2025-26, with
associated consultation strategies.

Content

Resolved –
 
That the
Executive:
 

(1)          
noted the financial challenges the Council faces and the need to
deliver significant savings over the next 5-year period;

 

(2)          
approved the commencement of consultation on the savings
proposals totalling £0.500m as set out in Section 2 under the
title “Savings proposals requiring specific
consultation” as follows: In respect of the Post 16 transport
policy proposal, the consultation to begin on 18 November 2024 and
end on 8 January 2025. In respect of the Dedicated bus service
proposal, the consultation to begin on 6 November and end on 18
December 2024.  
 

(3)          
require a report back to the Executive in February 2025 on the
outcome of consultations;
 

(4)          
noted the savings proposals for BCFT totalling £16.200m as
set out in Section 3 to Document “V”;
 

(5)          
approved the savings totalling £5.988m as set out in
Section 4 to Document “V” to progress for
implementation subject to budget engagement;
 

(6)          
noted the savings proposals in Section 5 to Document
“V” relating to 2025/26 totalling £11.152m that
were previously considered and recommended for approval by Full
Council in March 2024;
 

(7)          
noted that further savings proposals to bridge the gap will be
brought to the next meeting of the Executive Committee on 3
December 2024 and that savings beyond this gap are also being
worked on;
 

(8)          
noted that these proposals will be presented to Corporate
Overview and Scrutiny on 14 November 2024 and additional proposals
presented at the meeting on 23 January 2025;
 

(9)          
noted the savings form part of the wider budget setting process
and that the overall 2025/26 budget will be reported for Full
Council Approval in March 2025.
 
To be actioned
by: Director of Finance
 
Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate
 
(Andrew Cross - 07870
386523)