Agenda and decisions

To receive any apologies for absence.

Cllr G Lowe submitted her resignation from the membership of Cabinet.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 11 July 2023.

RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 July 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Cabinet Members will advise if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have a Disposable Pecuniary Interest, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion or vote on an item, or any other interests.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items will be considered in public session, however, it shall be advised whether the Cabinet will consider any matters in private, by virtue of the reports containing information which falls within a category of exempt information as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was noted that all items would be considered in public.

The Cabinet will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No deputations or petitions were received.

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No questions were asked.

Cabinet will receive any questions from Elected Members.

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 2.3 (2.3.1.6) a period of up to 30 minutes will be allocated.

No questions were asked.

To note the appointment of Cabinet Members and portfolio allocations, in accordance with Articles 7.3 and 7.5.5.5 of the Constitution.

To consider the Council Budget Strategy Update: 2024/25, and future years.

Contact: James Anderson, Head of Accountancy

RESOLVED – That the report be referred to the meeting of Council on 13 September 20233 with a recommendation;

1)    That the key risks to the delivery of the budget in 2023/24 be noted and that these would be subject to consideration as part of the regular Budget Monitoring reports submitted to the Cabinet;

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

3)    That subject to the continuation of the Business Rates Pooling arrangements, delegate 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 2024/29 as shown at Appendix A of the considered report be noted, and that in view of the uncertainty with some of the assumptions upon which the Plan is based, that it would remain under review as the Council’s budget process progresses;

5)    That the scenario analysis as shown 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 the Medium Term Financial Strategy as set out in the report be recommended for consideration and approval by Council;

7)  That as delegations allow, and in view of the significant financial challenge faced by the Council, note that early action would 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 in consultation with relevant Cabinet Members, request Officers to 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 2024/25;

9)  That the timetable set out in the report for the development of the Council’s Budget for 2024/25 be noted;

10)That, subject to consideration by respective Portfolio Holders, approval be given to any budget proposals arising from the work above be considered by the Cabinet in due course (and subject to the proposal on consultation below);

11)That subject to the work above and agreement with Councillors and recognising that it may be necessary to consult on specific matters as required, note 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.