Members were reminded that the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) considered by Policy, Finance and Resources Committee on 15 December 2015 provided an update on the various significant changes that would impact on the Council’s financial position following announcements made since the General Election in May 2015 and the Autumn Statement in November 2015. Particular issues highlighted, relevant to the General Fund, included the phasing out of the Revenue Support Grant, changes to the New Homes Bonus & the Business Rates Retention schemes and the creation of Combined Authorities.

The fundamental principles of the Council’s MTFP are to:

(i)           Maintain a sustainable financial position against a background of unprecedented financial uncertainty and reduced government funding, including the delivery of efficiency targets.

(ii)          Support the vision of our Borough through appropriate identification of resources required to deliver the key priorities outlined in the ‘Vision for Brentwood’.

(iii)         Maximise opportunities and mitigate risks associated with the fundamental change to the way in which local government is financed.

The report before Members considered:

(i)               The General Fund budget proposals for 2016/17 to 2018/19.

(ii)             The Capital Programme 2016/17 to 2018/19.

(iii)            The Treasury Management & Investment Strategy for 2016/17.

The Leader of the Council and Chair of Policy, Finance and Resources Committee, Cllr Mrs McKinlay, introduced the proposed budget for 2016/17 and MOVED the recommendations in the report which Cllr Kerslake SECONDED. 

Cllr Aspinell, as leader of the major opposition group, responded to the Leader’s statement.

Two sets of amendments had been submitted in accordance with Rule 3.15 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, totalling five amendments.  Details of all amendments received were included in Supplement 3 to the agenda and are appended to these minutes for information.

Cllr Kerslake MOVED and Cllr Hirst SECONDED the AMENDMENT received from the Conservative Group which added ‘and Table 7.1” , such Table 7.1 being included in the amendment , and Cllr Mrs McKinlay ACCEPTED the amendment.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Morrissey SECONDED the first AMENDMENT submitted by the Labour Group which Mrs McKinlay did not accept, however she expressed her interest in further exploration.

Following a debate a vote was taken on a show of hands and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Morrissey SECONDED the second AMENDMENT submitted by the Labour Group which Mrs McKinlay did not accept.

Following a debate a vote was taken on a show of hands and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Morrissey SECONDED the third AMENDMENT submitted by the Labour Group which Mrs McKinlay did not accept.

Following a debate a vote was taken on a show of hands and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Morrissey SECONDED the fourth AMENDMENT submitted by the Labour Group which Mrs McKinlay did not accept.

Following a debate a vote was taken on a show of hands and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Cllr Barrett MOVED and Cllr Morrissey SECONDED the fifth AMENDMENT submitted by the Labour Group which Mrs McKinlay did not accept.

Following a debate a vote was taken on a show of hands and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Returning to the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION, following a debate and in accordance with Procedure Rule 9.6 of the Constitution, a recorded vote was taken.  Cllr Mrs Henwood had left the Chamber during the debate and therefore did not vote.

Members voted as follows:

For: Cllrs Cloke, Hirst, Mrs Hones, Hossack, Kerslake, McCheyne, Mrs McKinlay, Mrs Murphy, Parker, Poppy, Mrs Pound, Reed, Ms Rowlands, Russell, Ms Sanders, Mrs Slade, Sleep, Tee, Trump and Wiles (20)

Against:  Cllrs Aspinell, Barrett, Chilvers, Clark, Mrs Davies,

Mrs Hubbard, Keeble, Kendall, Morrissey, Mynott, Newberry and

 Mrs Squirrell (12)

Abstain: (0)

Members RESOLVED:

1.         To approve the General Fund - Revised MTFP for 2016/17 as shown in Table 8 at paragraph 5.8 which includes the proposed savings targets as shown in Table 7 and Table 7.1 (included in Supplement 3 to the agenda) at paragraph 5.7 of the report.

2.         To approve the proposed Capital Programme and Funding totalling £23.7 million for 2016/17 to 2018/19 as set out in Tables 14 and 15 of the report.

3.         To approve the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy as set out in Section 10 of the report.

4.         To note the Section 151 Officer’s Assurance Statement as set out in Section 11 of the report.

Reason for Recommendation

The Council is required to approve the Budget as part of the Budget and Policy Framework.