Agenda item

(would Members please bring their copy of the draft budget circulated on 5 January 2010)

 (1)      The Committee considered the Communities Directorate’s Draft Budget proposals set out in the Draft Budget 2000-11 and the Draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2010-2013 and also the report which was circulated specifically relating to the key areas of these documents for Communities.  The report also provides a summary of the relative priorities discussed at the IMG of this Committee, which met in November 2009.

(2)       Mr Hill and Ms Honey introduced the draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan for the Communities Directorate.  Mr Hill and Officers answered questions from Members about the following issues:-

(3)       In response to a question from Mr Chittenden on why the savings for Arts (Rationalisation of grants – page 68 of MTFP) were modest compared to other areas, Mr Crilley explained that over the past 3 years this unit had been substantially reviewed and their remaining budget left little flexibility for savings, however, the £20,000 savings proposed were significant in terms or their available budget. In addition to this, all savings within the MTP, with the exception of Towards 2010 funding, were efficiency savings. The Arts Unit had a net cash limit of £1.4m, of which a third related to salaries so this gave an indication of the relative level of savings made by the unit.

(4)       Mr Bainbridge clarified that the savings proposed from the budget for “Neighbourhood Policing” and “Reduce night time crime” (£45,000 in total – page 66 of MTFP) related to funding for a small team in the Community Safety Unit to produce supporting statistics, carry out project work and back office support.  As the work overlapped with that of a team in another part of KCC, the two teams were going to be merged which would result in £45,000 savings and would have no impact on front-line service delivery in these areas.

(5)       Mr Christie, although not a Member of the Committee, was given the opportunity to ask question on the draft budget and MTFP.  Mr Christie expressed concern at the reduction in funding for Supporting Independence (£500,000 – page 66 of MTFP).  Mr Tilson explained that Supporting Independence had been the subject of internal review and the senior management team were supportive of the proposals.  The saving related to a reduction in Towards 2010 funding, as the unit would now provide the service using a different delivery model. It was also noted that there had been significant underspends in the budget over the past few years.

(6)       In response to questions from Mr Christie, Mr Tilson stated that approximately up to one third of Communities staff were at the top of their pay scale but would report the actual position to Members at the subsequent meeting.  Mr Tilson also explained that there was no current provision for a cost of living increase within the MTP for 2011/12 and 2012/13 due to uncertainties surrounding public sector pay in the future but that this would be revisited in due course. This policy was consistent throughout the authority.

(7)       Mr Tilson offered to provide a budget briefing to Mr Christie outside of the meeting.

(8)       Mr Hill emphasised the important role of this Committee in the policy led budget changes that would take place over the next two years. 

(9)       In response to a question from Mr Tolputt on the “Dilapidations – Church Street” Folkestone, officers undertook to supply written details to the Committee of future options surrounding the building.

(10)     RESOLVED that that the Budget 2010-11 and Medium Term Plan 2010 to 2013 for the Community Services Portfolio, along with the responses made to the questions from Members, be noted.