The Director of Neighbourhood presented the report of the Director of Finance which provided an update on the budgets within the remit of the Committee in respect of forthcoming pressures and proposed savings that are being considered within the Medium Term Financial Plan. It was also for the Committee to consider feedback and outcomes from the Budget Workshops which had been held. The Policy and Service Committees are responsible for those services being delivered under their operational headings within their annual budget envelope. The Policy and Resources Committee, in consultation with the respective Policy and Service Committees, has been charged by Council to formulate a draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and budget to recommend to the Council. The Council was required to set a balanced budget each year and set a Medium-Term Financial Plan which considers the future pressures and savings options that will be taken forward to result in a balanced budget position. The Council faces a challenging financial outlook due to inflationary and demand pressures alongside the previous significant reductions in Government funding and uncertainty around the future financial settlements. It was noted that there were apparent pressures caused by achievement against targets for some areas of work but the targets themselves have been reconsidered ready for future budget proposals.

Members debated the implications of the proposals.

Resolved - That:

1. the indicative pressures and proposed savings detailed in Appendix 1 and 2 be noted; and

2. the Budget Workshop feedback and outcomes, as detailed in exempt Appendix 3 be agreed.