Agenda item

(A report by Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151))

The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) presented the report, which included the final details of the 2025/26 budget, the 5-year Medium Term Financial Strategy/Plan (MTFS/P) from 2025/26 to 2029/30, and the Capital Programme. The report also included the recommended level of Council Tax for 2025/26, taking into account pressures such as the IDB levy. The final budget incorporated identified efficiencies to support the short and medium-term financial strategy/plan (MTFS/P) and outlined the remaining efficiency target, for which a plan of activity had been developed.

Member deliberation followed which included:

Councillor Gleeson declared an interest in respect of his Non-Executive Director role within PSPSL, which he had resigned from with effect from the end of the month.

A member commended the comprehensiveness of the report and expressed concerns regarding the costs associated with PSPS and the 10% increase rate. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that these details would be reviewed in a management meeting on Monday, after which feedback would be provided to the company.

In response to a question regarding the reasons behind the reduction of 12 Band D properties, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that the Collection Fund had absorbed the full impact of the new council tax support scheme. Regarding the banding, she advised that the Council Tax team would be the most appropriate to provide the requested clarification.

In response to a question regarding the potential savings that could have been realised from having zero expenses on the Leisure Centre, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that significant improvements were achieved in the budget as a result of a Cost-Plus arrangement with the contractor.

Addressing a question about a declining indicator on bereavement, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that it was related to an increase in the number of purchases of a different, cheaper type of cremation.

A member requested an update on the Haven Wharf development. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that she would seek an update from the project manager before circulating further details.

In response to a question seeking clarity on the reasons behind Housing Benefits Credit overpayments, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that errors by the Local Authority or undeclared changes in circumstances by individuals were some of the causes. She clarified that the Council collected these overpayments, sometimes received subsidies on them, and in some cases, it took several years to collect due to the individual's level of affordability.

A question was asked regarding the possibilities of increasing savings by exploring additional areas such as trade waste, monitoring free parking, and reducing the fees for market traders to increase participation. The Portfolio Holder for Finance noted the comments and advised that hiring more personnel would add expenses to the Council.

In response to a question concerning the lack of funding for the IDBs and how the Council could address this issue, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that a refreshed savings and transformation plan was being proposed. Additionally, she mentioned that, in the absence of sufficient funding, the Council would have no choice but to use its reserves to support the Revenue account. The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, noted that the cost charges continued to increase annually.

The officers and the Council were commended for their lobbying efforts and concerns were raised in respect of whether the public was aware of the impending risks. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that, despite the news being displayed in the press, only 33% of the respondents to the consultation acknowledged the extent of the challenge facing the Authority.

In response to a question regarding the possibility of avoiding the payment of the IDBs' bill to prompt government funding, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that there was no choice but to pay the levy.

Concerns were raised regarding Boston being a flood-prone area, the burden of clearing water for others, its status as a working-class area, and the lack of support from a government that is reducing funds for services.

In response to a question regarding the elevated number of high risks within the report and how the Council was handling these, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that A and G were reviewing these, and which would consequently result in an amended version.

A member queried the possibility of improving council finances. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that these considerations were circulated internally, providing an opportunity for services to offer additional suggestions.

A question was asked regarding the remodelling of government funds for councils with high deprivation, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that a consultation response had been prepared addressing concerns related to IDBs and government support.

Councillor Gleeson thanked officers and acknowledged the limitations that the Council faced at that time.