Agenda item

(A report by the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development and S151 Officer)

Councillor Jonathan Noble, Portfolio Holder for Finance, introduced a report by the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) and S151 Officer, setting out the Council’s proposed General Fund Annual Budget for 2022/23 to 2027/28, Capital Programme, Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy, Fees and Charges Schedule, Pay Policy Statement and Annual Delivery Plan.

The report stated that the Budget was being set within a background of unprecedented inflationary pressures and significant changes in resident, customer and business needs. Despite the challenges the Councils financial position meant that it was well placed and able to take a considered approach to mitigating the exceptional challenges. In addition, the Council had been and continued to be successful in drawing in significant capital and revenue investment for the area.

The proposed budget had been through the budget consultation process with the public and Members, the draft budget proposals were subject to review by the Audit and Governance Committee on 30 January 2023 and Corporate and Community on 2 Feb 2023. The Treasury Management Strategy had also been presented to the Audit and Governance Committee on the 30^th January and to Cabinet on 22^nd February. The report had been updated to reflect the final budget accompanying the report.

During Debate the following comments were made:-

• There was continual uncertainty over the level of the Internal Drainage Board levies. However, representations continue to be made to Government.
• Officers were congratulated on managing to produce a balanced budget for the upcoming year.
• Concerns were raised regarding the pay increase agreed for staff, it was felt that the increase was not enough to support staff.
• Meetings had been held to reassure Members that increases in Council Tax were necessary.
• Thanks were given to the current and past Finance Portfolio Holders for the position the Council’s budget was in.
• Members of the public were encouraged to make use of the Council Tax Support Schemes that the Councils offer.

It was moved by Councillor Jonathan Noble, seconded by Councillor Paul Skinner and

RESOLVED

1. The Revenue Estimates for the General Fund for 2022/23 (Appendix A)
2. The Medium Term Financial Strategy (at Appendices A,1 and 2)
3. The Capital Programme (Appendix A)
4. The Fees and Charges for 2022/23 (Appendix 4)
5. The use of Reserves detailed (Appendix 5)
6. The Treasury Management Strategy, including the Minimum Revenue Provision policy and Investment Strategy (Appendix 6)
7. The South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Annual Delivery Plan 2022/23 (Appendix 7)

In accordance with Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 the vote was taken as a recorded vote: