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RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That the key risks to the delivery of the budget in
2023/2024 be noted and be subject to consideration as part of the
regular Budget Monitoring reports submitted to the
Cabinet.

2)   
That the uncertainty of the funding outlook for the
Council be noted, not least the limited progress on Local
Government Finance reforms and that these will not now take place
before the next General Election.

3)   
That, subject to the continuation of the Business
Rates Pooling arrangements, authority be delegated authority to the
Chief Executive and the Service Director (Finance), in consultation
with the Leader and the Finance and Regeneration Portfolio Holder,
to determine whether the Council should continue as a member of the
Leeds City Region Business Rates Pool in 2024/25.

4)   
That the update to the Medium
Term Financial Plan for 2024/2029 (Appendix A refers) be
noted, and that in view of the uncertainty with some of the
assumptions upon which the Plan is based, that it will remain under
review as the Council’s budget process progresses.

5)   
That the scenario analysis as set out at Appendix D,
which models ‘worst’/’best’ case scenarios
around the baseline MTFP as part of the assessment of potential
risks facing the Council, be noted.

6)   
That approval be given to the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

7)   
That under the provision of delegations, and in view
of the significant financial challenge faced by the Council, early
action will be taken to identify and implement budget reduction
measures (consistent with the Medium
Term Financial Strategy set out above) as a means of
reducing the funding gap set out in this report.

8)   
That, consultation with relevant Cabinet Members,
Officers identity and bring forward proposals consistent with the
Medium Term Financial Strategy set out
in this report for consideration by Cabinet as part of their
development of the budget for 2024/2025.

9)   
That the timetable for the development of the
Council’s budget 2024/2025, as set out in the report, be
noted.

10) That subject to consideration by
respective Portfolio Holders, any budget proposals arising from the
work above be considered by the Cabinet in due course (and subject
to the proposal on consultation as set out at (11)
below.)

11) That pursuant to (10) above and
agreement with Councillors, and
recognising that it may be necessary to consult on specific matters
as required, it be noted that it is proposed to undertake
consultation on the budget over Autumn 2023 with a view to
informing decisions on the Council’s budget for
2024/25.