Issue - meetings

To note the reduction in the government’s estimate of spending power for the council in 2015/16, the reduction in the government’s estimate of start up funding for the council in 2015/16 and changes in the council’s estimates of grants due to the council in 2015/16.

To also note the actions and estimates provided by the council to address the gap between funding available and general fund spending, and the current predicted gap between resources available and general fund spending of £31.4m.

To instruct officers to submit a further report to cabinet in December to include any further settlement information that becomes available, initial feedback from consultation and the revised budget gap, and to continue to work on budget options for a balanced budget in 2015/16 for presentation to the cabinet in January 2015.

To agree that the council Southwark Emergency Support Scheme should continue to be supported at current levels.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the reduction in the government’s estimate of spending power for the council in 2015/16 of £18.8m as shown in paragraph 20 of the report and the reduction in the government’s estimate of start up funding for the council in 2015/16 of £33.5m be noted.

2.  That the changes in the council’s estimates of grants due to the council in 2015/16 as shown in paragraphs 23 to 43 of the report be noted.

3.  That the actions and estimates provided by the council to address the gap between funding available and general fund spending, and the current predicted gap between resources available and general fund spending of £31.4m be noted.

4.  That officers submit a further report to cabinet in December to include any further settlement information that becomes available, initial feedback from consultation and the revised budget gap, and to continue to work on budget options for a balanced budget in 2015/16 for presentation to the cabinet in January 2015.

5.  That it be agreed the council’s Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) should continue to be supported at current levels for the duration of this policy and resources strategy despite the removal of Social Fund grant.