Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lamb.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the ideas from Councillors to help address the financial challenges the Council is facing for 2024/25 and the medium term.

The report also drew attention to the decision of the Cabinet on 31^st October 2023 to approve the increase in fees and charges from April 2024 (Minute 51, refers).  It was now proposed that the implementation date for the increase in fees and charges be brought forward to 1^st January 2024 to urgently assist with the in-year projected overspend reported to Cabinet on 20^th November 2023.

In considering the Councillor suggestions the Cabinet noted that the idea put forward for the introduction of new parking bays (page 20 – Appendix 1 of the report) was submitted by Councillor Woodley and not Councillor Dent as indicated in the report.

Resolved:

1. That the ongoing significant financial challenges facing the Council in the medium term and the valuable contributions made by Councillors in coming forward with a range of ideas to help plan for longer term financial sustainability of the Council, be noted.

2. That it be noted that the full range of Councillor ideas and the proposed way to deal with them accordingly, as set out by category in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

3. That the earlier implementation date of 1 January 2024 for the increase in fees and charges, as set out in the report, subject to the normal notification and consultation periods where required, be approved.

4. That the commencement of market testing, followed by procurement as necessary for the proposed commercial operation of the Pier, be approved.

Reasons for Decisions:

1. The key intention behind the report is to seek a way forward with the Councillor ideas that have been provided as part of consideration for the Council’s budget. It will also help to inform the decision making needed to ensure the Council’s medium term financial sustainability is maintained and robust budget setting for future years is achieved.

2. The challenge of delivering a balanced financial outturn for 2023/24 remains significant and some of these factors are contributing to increasing the scale of the financial challenge for 2024/25. The Council continues to try to reduce all non-essential expenditure and/or generate extra income. This priority must be achieved whilst ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are looked after appropriately, and our statutory responsibilities are effectively discharged. Improving efficiency and productivity is essential but the scale of the unprecedented financial pressures will inevitably lead to a reduction in the range, quality, cost and responsiveness of other discretionary Council services, as well as challenging our approach to statutory services. There is the need to consider all suggestions put forward to help support the delivery of a robust and balanced budget for 2024/25 and beyond.

Other Options

Not to progress with all or some of the Councillor ideas put forward in Appendix 1 to the report.  However, this would need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.