Issue - meetings

1)  That the progress with the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Efficiency Plan be noted;

2)  That it be proposed that further areas be explored and all suggestions and proposals put forward by all Members be considered; and

3)  That Members will be consulted on prioritisation of savings ideas.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Finance and Business Improvement which set out the progress to date with development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the five years 2017/18 to 2021/22 and an Efficiency Plan in response to the government’s four year local governance finance settlement covering the years 2016/17 to 2019/20.

It was noted that there was still some uncertainty following the EU referendum and having a new Prime Minister.  However, it was felt that it was still appropriate for the Council to put forward an Efficiency Plan.

Members were advised that Heads of Service and Section Heads would come up with options for Members to consider and these would need to be prioritised.

It was felt that the first step should be for all Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen (and Group Leaders) to discuss the options.  All services should be looked at and an impact assessment put against each in the event of a 100% reduction in order that proper consideration could be given.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the progress with the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Efficiency Plan be noted;

2)  That it be proposed that further areas be explored and all suggestions and proposals put forward by all Members be considered; and

3)  That Members will be consulted on prioritisation of savings ideas.

Voting:  For:  15  Against:  0  Abstentions:  0