A report by Director of Finance informed the Cabinet that on 19 August 2011, as part of the 2012/13 Budget Consultation process, the Council had commenced a web-based public consultation entitled ‘The Great Debate’ using an on-line package known as You Choose.

Members were informed that that You Choose was a budget simulator developed by YouGov and supported by the Local Government Group which provided residents with the opportunity to suggest changes to close the estimated £25 million budget gap and limit any Council Tax increase for 2012/13.  Details had been hand delivered to all residents along with their electoral registration forms and a series of You Choose public engagement events were taking place across the Borough during the period of the consultation which was due to conclude on 30 November 2011.

Chief Officers had provided information for the simulator which detailed the implications for their services if budgets were reduced budgets by 10%, 20% and 50% and if budgets were increased by 5%.

The Group Accountant, Finance Accountancy Systems Team was in attendance at the meeting and demonstrated for Members, via Council’s intranet and internet exactly how the simulator worked

It was noted that Officers of the Engagement Team was actively promoting consultation, through the simulator, in the community and in doing so were holding approximately 120 events in various facilities, including Supermarkets, Libraries, One Stop Shops and Community Centres across the Borough.  This consultation exercise would run until 30 November 2011 and was being undertaken in addition to work on neighbourhood plans.  Forty one Councils in total were using the simulator to consult with their local communities.

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RESOLVED: That

  (1)  staff in the Engagement Team be thanked for all of their hard work in getting the simulator up and   running;

(2)  the content of the report be noted; and

  (3)  a further report on the submissions arising from the budget simulator consultation process be   provided   in due course.