To consider the relevant aspects of the draft Budget and updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) pertaining to remit of this Committee only. Information relating to those aspects of the budget outside of the Committee’s remit will be considered by the other relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Members are requested to review the report and provide their comments, observations and recommendations in respect of the Executive’s proposals with particular reference to those aspects within the remit of the Committee, to the meeting of the Executive.

To reduce printing papers copies of the Executive report on the draft Budget and updated MTFP the reports are available online at the following address:-

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=5232&Ver=4

Hard copies of these papers will only be provided on request in advance of the meeting.

The Head of Financial Performance delivered a report highlighting financial pressures, proposed efficiency savings and public consultation timelines in relation to the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

Members’ attention was drawn to appendices F and G which detailed the primary statutory provisions relevant to the services provided by each directorate and the Chief Finance Officer’s assessment of Council Reserves. Members were reminded of the importance of their understanding of each of these elements so that when making recommendations they were doing so on a fully informed basis.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·           That efficiency savings in relation to children’s centres were a key element of locality working and that any changes must meet the needs of a particular area.

·           That there were no immediate plans to further reduce funding for respite care.  The council had a commitment from the 2015/16 MTFP to ensure efficiencies in this area and was actively working through these with partners and parents.

·           That early intervention and close partnership working was essential in reducing need later on in a child’s life.

·           The need to ensure an effective and efficient procurement process.

·           The need for a challenging, efficient and attainable budget.

RECOMMENDED:-

1.         That the Committee acknowledge the financial challenges and proposed efficiencies presented, broadly supporting the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.

2.         That the Executive consider increasing Council Tax by 3% for the Adult Care precept for two years with a 0% increase in the third year.

That the Executive seek the opportunity to secure and ring fence additional funding for Children’s Services.