To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer (enclosed).

DECISION

That Cabinet Executive considers the comments and recommendations of Scrutiny Commission in respect of the draft 2024/25 budget proposals before making final recommendations to Council.

Reason:

Scrutiny Commission has a mandate to examine the Administration’s draft budget proposals and submit comments to Cabinet Executive which it is then obliged to consider before making its own final recommendations to Council on Budget proposals. All non-executive members may be involved in this process.

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, presented by Cllr. Nick Brown – Chairman of the Scrutiny Commission.

Cllr. Nick Brown thanked Cabinet Executive Members for attending the budget sessions and for responding to all the questions put to them.

Cllr. Maggie Wright thanked all Members who attended the scrutiny budget sessions and commended Officers who prepared the reports for the meetings.

Cllr. Les Phillimore queried the wording of Recommendation 10 which refers to housing support for ‘vulnerable residents’ and proposed that the wording could be made broader as the Housing Team is working to provide accommodation for a wider range of residents. Cllr. Nick Brown agreed with this proposed amendment.

Other options considered:

No other options were considered. Budget scrutiny is a constitutional requirement.