Issue - meetings

(for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2017)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves for recommendation to Council:

1)      The General Fund and Housing Revenue Account budgets and Capital Programmes outlined in appendices 1 to 7;

2)      Proposed amendments to Fees & Charges included at Appendix 8;

3)      The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2017/18 to 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix 10;

4)      The proposed London Borough of Hillingdon Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18 set out at Appendix 11;

5)      The proposed Housing Rents Policy set out at Appendix 12;

6)      That the Council formally opt in to the national scheme for appointing local authority auditors, as detailed in Appendix 13;

7)      That it resolves that Cabinet may utilise the general reserves or balances during 2017/18 in respect of those functions which have been reserved to the Cabinet in Article 7 of the Constitution (as set out in Schedule G of the Constitution - Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules).

That Cabinet notes:

8)      The Corporate Director of Finance’s comments regarding his responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2003.

Reasons for decision

Following consultation and much valued feedback from residents, Cabinet put forward its set of budget proposals to the Council meeting on 23 February 2017 for final consideration.

Cabinet welcomed that the budget proposals had been developed to support a ninth successive Council Tax Freeze for all residents and an eleventh year for over 65s whilst avoiding implementation of the Social Care precept and maintaining frontline services.

Members noted this as a significant achievement in light of continuing cuts to funding for local government alongside a growing demand for local services.

Cabinet acknowledged the transformation efforts in place to achieve this without a reduction in service provision. It was noted that the budget also provided for strong balances and reserves.

Cabinet noted the proposed capital programme of around £276m over the next 5 years, which included investment in sufficient school places, funding to deliver a new theatre, museum and bunker visitor centre in Uxbridge, alongside continued investment in the existing local infrastructure, including highways, street lighting and camera enforcement of cars to keep areas outside schools safe for children.

Cabinet noted the comments from the Policy Overview Committees and after discussion, recommended to Council a strong, balanced budget in difficult financial circumstances, which had been carefully developed to put residents first.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have chosen to vary the proposals in its budget before recommending it to Council.

Officers to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance

Classification: Public

The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.