Issue - meetings

To note the actions taken to address the £31.4 million gap, the expected date of release of the autumn statement and provisional 2015/16 settlement.

To instruct officers to submit a further report including the 2015/16 provisional settlement figures incorporating the feedback from the Southwark Spending Challenge.   

An addendum report was circulated which included a briefing from London Councils on the autumn 2014 statement.

The council’s head of community engagement reported some initial feedback from the budget consultation process.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the actions taken to address the £31.4m gap between funding available and general fund spending, reported to cabinet on 21 October 2014 be noted.

2.  That at the time of writing it be noted that the autumn statement was expected to be delivered on 3 December 2014, and provisional 2015/16 settlement figures were expected on 17 December 2014.

3.  That the increasing importance that the generation, and retention of increased business rates revenues, above the levels forming the council’s settlement funding assessment, have on the ability of the authority to set a balanced budget be noted.

4.  That the changes in the council’s estimates of grants due to the council in 2015/16 as shown in paragraphs 36 to 56 of the report be noted.

5.  That as requested by cabinet on 21 October 2014, it be noted an amount of £700,000 will be included in the budget proposals to support the council’s Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) at current levels for the duration of this policy and resources strategy.

6.  That it be noted that budget consultation continues, and feedback will be included in the policy and resources strategy report to cabinet in January 2015.

7.  That it be noted that the January report to cabinet will be considered by the overview and scrutiny committee, and that any recommendations arising which are agreed by cabinet will be incorporated into the final report to cabinet on 10 February 2014 for recommendation to council assembly on 25 February 2015.

8.  That following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 25 October 2014 it be noted that any proposals to introduce a local supermarket levy will not be allowed by the government.

9.  That officers be instructed to submit a further report including the 2015/16 provisional settlement figures, incorporation the feedback from the Southwark Spending Challenge, setting out a balanced budget for 2015/16 for consideration by overview and scrutiny committee, and approval by cabinet on 27 January 2015, for recommendation to council assembly on 25 February 2015.