Council and democracy

Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance

Minutes:

Councillor Hebb, Portfolio Holder for Finance, presented his Portfolio Report and stated it was a privilege and a pleasure to announce the services provided by Thurrock Council would be safe for the next 4 years with Thurrock Council having a balanced budget since 2016. Councillor Hebb updated Members on some of those services:

 

           Weekly Bin Collections

           Improved Grass Cutting

           Street Cleaning

           Pot Hole Filling

           Protect the Elderly

           Council Tax Exemptions

           Affordable Housing

           Saving Hospital facilities

           Clean It Cut It Fill It

 

Councillor Hebb stated the General Fund Budget had been increased by 38%, from £8m to £11m. The Administration had overseen spending of ear-marked reserves which funded projects such as school building and other capital plans with the review of reserves to ensure the Council did not sit on Council tax payers money for no reason. The work would start with the Fair Debt Summit in September 2018 and Members and Head Teachers from the borough would be invited.

 

Councillor Hebb stated the Council Spending Review the concentrated on reviewing bottom-up services was working.

 

Councillor Gerrish thanked the Portfolio Holder for the report and highlighted the need for the Council to earn external income and questioned what were the biggest, newest opportunities to generate revenue that are currently being explored by the Council. Councillor Hebb stated one of the commercial teams was the Fraud Team who also worked outside the Council where a return of £24.5 million had been generated over past years. Achieving a 2 to 1 return that would enable monies to pay for current services and help the Council to reinvest.

 

Councillor Spillman stated the sustainability was being achieved by taking money out of pockets of residents by increasing council tax. Councillor Spillman asked for guarantees no further increase in budgets to further increase council tax. Councillor Hebb stated a motion on the Council Spending Review had been agreed with the ambition to reduce tax burden on residents. A review looking at bottom-up services was currently being undertaken and once complete would be presented where discussions could take place.

 

Councillor Duffin stated he had supported the Council Spending Review Motion but questioned when Members would see progress and the long term investments. Councillor Hebb stated the Investigation Strategy had been agreed unanimously and the Council’s Spending Review agreed and discussed across party. Cabinet continued to look at investments and discussions would take place.

 

Councillor Jefferies asked what further assurances could be given that the Council’s finances are in a safer place. Councillor Hebb stated a Peer and an External Audit Review had taken place where the Council’s pathway had been outlined and developed. With this year’s initial audit report expected to announce an unqualified position on the Council’s financial health.

 

Councillor G Rice stated on the street cleaning item and suggested Councillor Hebb visited Chadwell St Mary to look at the issue of overgrown weeds and blocked gullies particularly along the A1306. Councillor Hebb stated he was aware of the issue and would contact Councillor G Rice with regards to visiting the sites.

 

Councillor Hebb thanked Members for their questions and comments. Extended thanks were also given to the finance team who had played a fantastic role and thanked opposition parties for their contributions.

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