The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee met on Thursday, 9 January 2025, to discuss the 2025/26 budget proposals, review updated committee remits, and consider policy review guidance. Key decisions included noting the budget projections and providing comments on proposals affecting their remit, and agreeing to investigate the Council's available spaces for commercialisation.

2025/26 Budget Proposals for Services Within the Remit of Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee

The Committee considered the draft revenue budget and capital programme for services within its remit for the financial year 2025/26. This was part of a wider consultation process following Cabinet's consideration of the proposals on 12 December 2024. The Council aims to set a balanced budget for 2025/26, which will require drawing £6.4 million from reserves. The report outlined a five-year budget strategy focused on driving value for money, maintaining low Council Tax, reviewing operating models for efficiency, investing in new assets, and improving housing quality.

Members were informed of the significant financial challenges faced by local authorities, including increased demand for services such as adult social care and homelessness support, coupled with reduced central government funding. The budget strategy includes mechanisms such as increasing net savings, adjusting Council Tax policy within referendum thresholds, and releasing funding from reserves.

The Committee noted variances and savings requirements for the upcoming years, with a focus on staffing vacancies, treasury activities, and property income. The medium-term financial strategy indicated a savings requirement of £39 million for 2025-2026, with £32.6 million identified, leaving a residual gap of £6.4 million. Over five years, the savings requirement is £62 million, with £65 million identified, resulting in a £3 million surplus. The budget requirement for services within the Committee's remit was £5.3 million, with an additional inflation requirement related to workforce expenditure and the pay award. Significant savings are anticipated from reshaping customer experience and business support, digital intelligence, and digital and technology contract reviews.

The Committee discussed the importance of proactive repairs to housing stock to reduce reactive repairs and noted the role of contractors in maintaining quality and value for residents. Concerns were raised about the track record of unachieved savings and the financial implications of delays. The importance of financial skills, commercial thinking, strong leadership, and a culture of financial discipline across the Council were emphasised to ensure the timely achievement of financial goals. The use of contingency funds requires formal Cabinet authorisation to maintain financial stability. The Oracle system is expected to improve financial management through better oversight and control. The Committee also heard about the digital transformation programme, including the merger of the contact centre and business administration into a resident hub, and the use of technology to modernise processes.

The Committee agreed to provide comments on the budget proposals, acknowledging the complex and high-spending service areas, the impact of external financial pressures, and the efforts made to set a balanced budget. They encouraged the pursuit of the stated budgetary aims and strategy, and stressed the need for increased commercial and financial awareness among senior managers and decision-makers to foster a sustainable culture of financial understanding. The Committee commended the Cabinet and finance teams for producing a balanced budget despite the challenging financial climate.

Presentation on Transformation Work

This agenda item was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

Updated Select Committee Remits

The Committee noted its updated remit, which reflects the new Cabinet portfolios and Directorates. These changes aim to improve clarity and accountability in the scrutiny of services.

Policy Review Discussion & Guidance

The Committee discussed a proposal for a policy review focusing on investigating available Council-owned spaces for business, private hire, letting, and commercialisation within the Borough. The aim is to create a comprehensive register of these spaces, potentially broken down by ward, to streamline the rental process and establish a one-stop shop for residents and organisations. This initiative aims to capitalise on commercial opportunities, particularly in the context of hybrid working and the potential for film and TV production. The Committee highlighted the importance of understanding the potential for income generation and developing a strategy for effective space utilisation. They also acknowledged the need to work with the voluntary sector and community centres to promote and support existing spaces without undermining their efforts. The Committee agreed to take this topic forward for further review and investigation.

Forward Plan

The Committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet and Cabinet Members over the coming year. The Committee's role is to comment on items within its remit as appropriate.

Work Programme

The Committee noted its work programme, which outlines future meeting dates and allows for forward planning of its work for the current municipal year. The programme includes regular service and performance monitoring, updates on various projects, and the scheduling of reviews.

Key Decisions Made:

• The Committee noted the budget projections for 2025/26 and agreed to provide comments on the combined budget proposals affecting their remit.
• The Committee noted its updated remit.
• The Committee agreed to investigate available Council-owned spaces for business, private hire, letting, and commercialisation.
• The Committee noted the Forward Plan.
• The Committee noted the work programme.