Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Order 31 providing an update on any key or significant issues arising from any matter within the responsibility of the Cabinet.

NOTED the report and update provided at the meeting by Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, highlighting the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio to manage the Council’s finances and provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

In referring to the draft 2024/25 – 2025/26 budget proposals which had been approved for consultation by Cabinet on 16 November 23, the opportunity was taken to remind members of the significant financial pressures and challenges currently faced by the Council as a result of the current economic uncertainty, increased demand in relation to homelessness and impact of the wider funding reductions which had been imposed by the Government since 2010 as a result of austerity.  Despite these challenges, members were advised of the efforts being made to ensure the Council was able to deliver a balanced budget and ensure that the Council could continue to operate in a financially sustainable and resilient way whilst seeking to support and safeguard local residents as far as possible during such challenging times, in line with the Council’s core strategic priorities.

Eligible for Call-In: No

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to introduce the report updating members on the work being undertaken across each Cabinet portfolio in order to manage the Council’s finances and provide ongoing support and services to meet the needs of residents across the borough.

In referring to the draft 2024-25 budget proposals which had been approved for consultation by Cabinet on 16 November 23, the opportunity was taken to remind members of the significant financial pressures and challenges currently faced by the Council as a result of ongoing economic uncertainty, increased demand in relation to homelessness and impact of the wider funding reductions which had been imposed by the Government since 2010 through their programme of austerity.  Despite these challenges, members were advised of the efforts being made to ensure the Council was able to deliver a balanced budget operating in a financially sustainable and resilient way, whilst seeking to support and safeguard local residents as far as possible during such challenging times, in line with the Council’s core strategic priorities.  As part of the update, members were also asked to note that no Executive decisions had been taken under the Council’s urgency procedures, since the previous update provided for the Council meeting in July.

The Mayor thanked the Leader for the report and it was RESOLVED to formally note the update provided.