Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Geoff Stewart.
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Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented Members with the individual Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP. Dates for the Financial Resilience Action Plan, Asset Management Plan, Waste Transfer Station Project and Equal Pay Audit would be discussed at the Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs. RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
The Leader, as Portfolio Holder for Finance and Finance Strategy introduced a report on the Local Government Budget for 2025/2026 and the Head of Finance highlighted key points from within the report. It was noted that at this stage the Local Government Provisional Settlement had not been announced and the report assumed no increase, and focused on understanding of the financial pressures. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • An indicative budget had not been provided to schools due to significant uncertainty around Welsh Government funding which would become clearer when notification of the funding settlement was received on December 11. • The business case process with Services submitting both pressures and savings as opposed to the ‘net ask’ provided transparency in respect of service need and pressures on the overall budget. - The majority of business cases related to unavoidable pressures. • The Fire Authority levy for 2025/2026 was not yet known. • Clarity was awaited as to whether additional National Insurance contributions would be fully reimbursed by Welsh Government. • It was suggested that a Strategic Review be carried out within the next 6 months. - The Chief Executive advised that progress from different work streams would be collated and presented as part of the medium term financial plan. - Some areas of work had been instigated following discussion with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). - A three year funding Settlement would assist with planning and addressing pressures. In addition, it was confirmed that work was taking place in respect of a transformation plan, including a way to modernise delivery of housing and homelessness services; the Asset Management Plan. • Corporate change was needed prior to setting the 2026/2027 budget. • Concerns regarding further significant Council Tax increases and the impact on residents. • It was suggested that all non-essential spend be reviewed. • Concerns were raised that no recruitment freeze had been implemented and it was suggested that frontline roles should be prioritised. - In response, the Chief Executive advised that all Council Services were essential and that back office support was vital for the delivery of frontline services. - A robust vacancy control process was in place whereby each vacancy was scrutinised by the Chief Executive, Strategic Director – Finance and Resources and the Head of People and Performance. - Some roles were grant funded and some additional roles had been advertised due to the Council now delivering some Social Care services in house. • A comparison with Council Tax rates in England where Council Tax was capped at 5% was not equitable due to a statutory override for Additional Learning Needs costs in England that was not in place in Wales. • Economic factors would be considered in relation to the cost of borrowing and discussions would continue with the Council’s Treasury Management Advisors (Arlingclose). • It was confirmed that Private Finance Initiative (PFI) unitary charges related to three Schools. • It was confirmed that the insurance process for supply staff was managed by schools and the Governing Bodies. The Leader had attended a Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) seminar where Councils, including Conwy County Borough Council, who were at the forefront of delivering change had provided presentations. • A public consultation would take place on the budget for 2025/2026 once details of the settlement were known. • It was proposed that a meaningful contingency fund be planned for in the budget to address unexpected service pressures during 2025/2026 and to avoid the need to use reserves. If the fund was not utilised then this could then be transferred into reserves and balances. - The Leader advised that every effort would be made to minimise further use of reserves. - As details of the settlement were currently unknown, it was difficult to allocate a contingency figure. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: a) That a meaningful contingency fund be built into the budget for 2025/2026. b) That the outline budgetary position for 2025/2026 ahead of the draft Local Government settlement be noted. c) That the risks identified in section 7 within Appendix 1 of the report be noted and accepted.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
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Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.