Issue - meetings

The report on the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29 is to be presented to the Committee, prior to final consideration by Cabinet and Council in February 2025.

Please note that Appendix E (Parish Council Precepts) is not available. This appendix will be available for the Council meeting in February.

All appendices are draft and are correct at the time of publication.

The Director for Corporate Services, Dawn Garton, introduced the report with a presentation.

In relation to the special expenses budget, the comment was raised as to whether there are the funds available to purchase land to expand the cemetery. In response it was noted that although expansion works would take place, there currently isn’t a funded business case or definitive plan.

Concern was raised that by 2027/28, reserves would be exhausted and that service reductions would need to be considered.

Concern was raised in relation to the outstanding property service charge recharges. It was noted by Officers that there are currently negotiations with tenants of Phoenix House regarding this matter. Members asked that the updated position be provided to all Members of the committee outside the meeting.

A query was raised as to whether the Council could stick to the £306k budget for homelessness temporary accommodation, considering that the current year spend is £348k. It was noted that it is highlighted as a risk, however the Council has a duty to house people. There has been increased demand, which has created a difficult situation. Officers would review how assets could be utilised to support the Council in delivering its statutory duty and Officers are confident that the service would be delivered within budget.

A query was raised as to whether the Council could afford the Community Coordinator role and the role in the Health and Active Communities Team. It was clarified that both are growth items and it is proposed to be funded by UKSPF funding. There would be an overview of outputs and an assessment of whether the roles meet outcomes.

The question was raised as to whether it is worth taking on a Funding Co-ordinator when, potentially, there is only two years left before Melton Borough Council ceases to exist. In response, it was clarified that nothing has yet been decided and the Council still has a duty to deliver services until a time it doesn’t exist. The aim is that the post would be fixed term for two years and would have to deliver within that time. It was noted that the Funding Co-ordinator would have different focus from the previous Funding Co-ordinator role.

Following a concern raised regarding the MMDR South, it was confirmed that the Council are continuing to work with Leicestershire County Council (LCC) but that LCC doesn’t see the project going ahead in either the short, medium or long term. Despite this, there is still a commitment towards delivering it and the local plan depends on the southern section of the road being delivered.

A query was raised regarding the one-off planning expenditure in relation to the solar farm inquiry. In response, Officers confirmed that the expense is expected but that that they are unsure what the exact figure would be. An estimate had been included in the forecast reserves.

RESOLVED

That the report is NOTED and Members’ comments are presented to Cabinet at the next Cabinet meeting.