Issue - meetings

 The report of the Finance Team Manager.

The Finance Team Manager presented the report, updating members on the budget but confirming that they would not yet be in a position to finalise the outturn for 2021/22.

Members thanked officers for a thorough explanation of the budget and reaffirmed their understanding that there would need to be cuts made in the coming year.

It was queried exactly what the Coalville Special Expenses Committee would be required to pay for and additionally what benefit residents of the special expenses area would receive from this expenditure. Officers responded that this information would be prepared in time for the following meeting.

A member suggested that fireworks should be cut from this year’s planned events in order to save money, which was reportedly a strategy that other authorities had adopted. It was also suggested that the events budget be reduced and other expenditure, such as that used for parks and memorials be further scrutinised in a bid to cut costs.

It was further suggested by members that large events, such as the King’s Coronation, be combined with the authority’s regular annual events, for example Party in the Park, in order to continue to deliver a memorable event on these occasions but also to combine costs incurred.

Councillor E Allman extended an invitation to other party members to attend  the finance sub-group meetings and confirmed that their input would be welcomed.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor E Allman and

RESOLVED THAT

1. The 2021/22 Draft Outturn figures and Coalville Special Expense balances as at 31 March 2022 be noted.
2. The 2022/23 Quarter 1 budget monitoring figures and forecasted outturn for 2022/23 be noted.
3. The 2023/24 budget process be noted.