To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies received from Councillor Jones. He was substituted by Councillor Clark.

To receive any declarations of interest.

No declarations of interest received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2023 as a true and accurate record.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY: That the minutes of the meeting held 9 January 2023 were a true and accurate record.

a)    To receive an opening statement from the Executive Director of Place and any other relevant officers.

b)    To hear from any registered speakers if appropriate.

c)     Panel to then discuss the Draft Budget 2023/24 items that fall under the Place Directorate only.

d)    Panel to make any recommendations to Cabinet.

Please note: As communicated in advance of the meeting, non-panel members will be unable to ask questions of officers during the meeting. Please liaise with representatives on the panel.

Andrew Durrant, Executive Director of Place Services, gave a presentation on highlighting the budget of 2023/24 relating to Place Overview and Scrutiny. He explained that the report presented pressures and mitigating savings to enable the Council to balance its budget in 2023/24. It was understood that there would be financial challenges, including the recovery from the Covid pandemic, high inflation, increasing interest rates and demographic growth all impacting on the Borough’s residents. This also had an impact on both teh Borough’s revenue costs and capital costs (cost of borrowing).

Andrew Durrant also noted that RBWM had a low council tax rate which was more acute in comparison to other local councils, also low budget levels (although building these back).

Andrew Durrant also mentioned that there were in-year budget pressures (partially caused by Covid). In response, he stated that he was working with Heads of Service and teams to mitigate these pressures.

Andrew Durrant also pointed out that approximately over 80% of funding from Council Tax was spent on approximately over 80% on individual services.

Andrew Durrant then informed that there was a government funding announcement which included:

·       Council Tax policy (3 +2) % (1% increase = approx. £830,000)

·       New social care grants.

·       One more year of New Homes Bonus (but no legacy payments)

·       Consolidation of a number of grants

·       Reductions in services grant to fund some of other commitments

This meant that RBWM was in an improved position with additional funding over and above what was included in current draft budget. Looking forward, Andrew Durrant stated that reserve levels would be reviewed as well as prepare for future challenges.

Andrew Durrant then discussed the Place Service Budget setting approach. In terms of approach to resource prioritisation, these included

·       Taking a strategic and collaborative view across Place Service in 3-5 years

·       Maintaining essential and statutory services (underpinned by ‘quality’)

·       Prioritise in setting the Corporate Plan goals

·       Focus on Strategic Placemaking and Economic Growth

·       Opportunities to promote Health and Wellbeing (e.g. Active Travel and enhancing facilities)

·       Partnership delivery models key and area to explore

·       Areas to maximise commercial activity and income generation opportunities

·       Address system failure, improve process and unblock issues

Andrew Durrant then raised some financial risks and issues:

·       Place Change Programme presented opportunities but also some challenges

·       Historic contracts and renewals

·       Post-pandemic behavioural change and recovery (e.g. Covid grant reduction)

·       Economic outlook

Andrew Durrant then explained other opportunities which were being explored. These included the Berkshire Deal to open up new funding opportunities, better alignment of services and leadership with Corporate Plan Priorities, and strategic relationships with business and growth sector organisations.

Andrew Durrant then discussed the Place Service savings (accounting for £1.943 million) and growth (accounting for £1.731 million) from various sections.

In response to Councillor Singh wishing to have a copy of the slides, Andrew Durrant mentioned that he could circulate the slides to panel members after the meeting.

To conclude, Andrew Durrant then displayed the key dates:

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