Issue - meetings

To consider options available in order for the Council to set a balanced budget for 2019/2020 and agree a future strategy for further budget reductions for 2020/2021 onwards

The Group had before it and NOTED a *report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) asking them to consider options available in order for the Council to set a budget for 2019/2020 and agree a future strategy for further budget reductions for 2020/2021 onwards.

The Chairman explained to the Group that unlike previous years he did not feel that a working group would be beneficial.

The Principal Accountant outlined the contents of the report and explained that Group Managers were currently looking at their budgets to see where and if any savings could be made.

Discussion took place increase in staff salaries and that MDDC adhere to National pay scales. He explained that the average increase across the authority is 3%, with most staff having a 2% pay increase but those predominantly in Leisure & Waste would see increases of circa 7%. (this is what Jo clarified)

Note: - *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes.

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) considering the draft budget for 2019-2020

The Group had before it and NOTED a report *from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) asking it to consider the initial draft 2019/20 Budget and options available in order for the Council to set a balanced budget and agree a future strategy for further budget reductions for 2020/21 onwards.

Discussion took place regarding the recent Government budget and funding pressures for district authorities and that the draft budget was the best that could be estimated until figures were released from Government on the 5^th December.

He explained the overall budget deficit and how this had been calculated.

The Chairman advised that the PDG would look again at the Budget in January when the funding from Government was known and he reminded the Group of the Deputy Chief Executive’s (S151) budget briefing on 13^th December.

There was a general discussion about the recruitment of a weed spraying team and an Operations Manager.

The Group then discussed the proposed increase in the Bulky Waste charges and the Garden Waste 140 litre bin charges. The Group decided that they would support the proposed increase but requested that a report be brought back to the January meeting which provided information on whether the market could bear further increases above the recommendations made to Cabinet and that the report included options for a change to charges for Bulky Waste.

It wastherefore RECOMMENDED that Cabinet consider as part of the budget, increases to the following fees in 2019/20: Bulky Waste by £1.00 and Garden Waste 140 litre bins by £1.00.

(Proposed by Cllr R M Deed and seconded by Cllr R Evans)

Note: - * Report previously circulated and attached to minutes