Councillor Hebb introduced the report and started by saying that the administration would have a balanced budget for the next four years, until 2021. He stated this reconciled years of overspend, and that within the first year they had achieved £10million in savings, which had been achieved through a three year programme of bottom up reviews and external audits. The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance commented that this safeguarded services that residents use for four years, which provided greater security. He also mentioned that review should continue to deliver a quality service to residents.

Councillor Hebb stated that up to 90% of children within the borough now have access to outstanding services. In addition to this, after a £12.5million investment into the Clean It, Cut It, Fill It scheme there was now a new bin collection fleet which had turned Key Performance Indicators around and increased plant reliability. In addition to this, he commented that following the investment in filling potholes, the borough had now won awards regarding the material and technology used to fill potholes.

The Deputy Leader highlighted some of the challenges the Council had faced, including the demand placed on Children’s Services. He also felt that despite these challenges the Council had managed to help young, vulnerable people through initiatives like the Care Leaver’s Council Tax Exemption Scheme. He also drew attention to the redevelopment of Grays, which included two new schools, health centres, and the widening of the A13; in addition to 350 new affordable homes, which will rise to over 1000 new affordable homes within the next few years. He also introduced the #lifesladder scheme and Debt Summit which would help people to climb the ladder and grow local communities.

Councillor Coxshall added to Councillor Hebb’s statement by discussing the £1million private investment into Grays Shopping Centre, and the fact that over the next 4/5 years, Grays would see £40 million investment to improve facilities and turn Grays into a place to go.

Councillor Halden echoed the comments made by Councillor Hebb, and said how important it was for care leavers to get on the housing ladder. He stated that £128,000 had already been saved by the Council through the Headstart on Housing Scheme. Councillor Watkins then discussed how the new fleet of bin lorries were helping communities already. He also felt it was great to see local school children getting involved by naming the lorries and helped to teach them about the importance of recycling. He also felt the Debt Summit and #lifesladder schemes were great as they could show how saved money could be spent effectively.

Councillor Johnson then added to the discussion by saying how he felt it was good that the Council had a programme of self-sufficiency, and the fact that the Housing Revenue Account was maintained. He then asked if the work regarding the Housing Revenue Account could be reported back to Cabinet.

Councillor Gledhill said that he felt excited to see the new private investment into Grays Shopping Centre and was looking forward to seeing the plans. He then congratulated Members on their hard work regarding the redevelopment of Grays. He went on to say that the Council had been gifted £70million from central government for new schools within the borough. In addition to this, the balanced budget allowed the Council to spend money on new projects such as the A13 widening, new schools, and medical centres.

Councillor Hebb concluded that he felt proud of the balanced budget and was looking forward to what we be produced at the upcoming Debt Summit.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.    Noted that the General Fund net expenditure had been met within the overall budget envelope and the General Fund Balance had been increased by £3.000m to £11.000m

2.    Noted that the balance on the Housing Revenue Account Reserve had been maintained at £2.175m

3.    Noted that there was a total of £377.258m in capital expenditure and some of the key projects have been set out in section 5.