Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

In light of important announcements contained in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2013, further consideration of the implications for Stockport and the content of this report are required. Therefore, this report has been marked ‘to follow’.

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Andy Moran, 0161 474 4000/ 4086, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk, andrew.moran@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17, to inform the development of a balanced and sustainable budget for 2014/15 and the updating of the priorities and outcomes for the Council Plan.

RESOLVED – That

·         the position for 2013/14 previously reported in the half-year Corporate Performance and Resources Report be noted;

·         the outlook for local government finance and, in particular, the forecast for business rates in 2014/15 be noted;

·         the proposal for the creation of a new Integrated Prevention and Universal Service be approved and the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) be authorised to conclude the agreement on the allocation of savings between partners as outlined in the report (paragraphs 4.14 to 4.21);

·         the progress with regard to the consultation on the proposals for an alternative approach to the provision of Adult Social Care travel assistance be noted (paragraphs 4.22 to 4.27);

·         the financial forecasts and sensitivity analysis for 2014/15 to 2016/17, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·         that executive councillors and corporate directors be requested to continue to develop their spending plans and savings proposals to address the budget requirements for 2014/15 and to report on progress;

·         the steps necessary to agree a final balanced budget proposal for 2014/15 and an updated Medium Term Financial Plan to 2016/17 for presentation to the Budget Council Meeting on 27 February 2014 be taken.