Issue - meetings

This report sets out, for consideration and approval, the Executive’s response to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Budget Task Group.

NOTED the comments from Councillors Kelcher and Nerva welcoming the report and draft Executive response.  Whilst recognising the impact of Covid 19 on management of the Council’s budgetary position it was felt many of the principles identified within the responses provided remained relevant, particularly in relation to business support; air quality; partnership work with other boroughs, London Councils & LGA and support of the voluntary and community sector.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the draft Executive Response to the Budget Task Group Scrutiny Reportand recommendations of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Margaret McLennan, introduced the report setting out the Executive’s response to the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Budget Task Group.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, welcomed Councillor Matt Kelcher to the meeting who had requested to speak as Chair of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group.  Councillor Kelcher welcomed the report and draft Executive response.  Whilst recognising the impact of Covid 19 on management of the Council’s budgetary position, it was felt many of the principles identified within the commitments made remained relevant, particularly in relation to business support; air quality; partnership work with other boroughs, London Councils & Local Government Association and support of the voluntary and community sector.

Additional comments were also received from Councillor Nerva who also welcomed the report and highlighted his support for the  approach recommended by the Task Group in relation to aggregating use of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds as a means of driving further efficiencies and maximising the community benefits available.

In response to the comments raised, Councillor Margaret McLennan thanked Councillor Kelcher all those involved in the work of the Task Group for their efforts and for recognising the financial impact in relation to Covid 19 and on management of the Council’s budgetary position.  In terms of the response being developed, Councillor Muhammed Butt, supported by Councillors Shama Tatler (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning) and Councillor Krupesh Hirani (as Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure) felt it was important to highlight the significant work already being undertaken with London Councils and in terms of working to support the Public Health function, Voluntary & Community Sector and local businesses in the response to the Covid 19 pandemic.  The comments made in relation to more co-ordinated targeting of CIL funds were also recognised with continued scrutiny on the budget and response being developed in response to Covid 19 also welcomed.

As no further issues were raised, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the draft Executive Response to the Budget Task Group Scrutiny Reportand recommendations of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee.