Agenda item

Joint report of the Director of Open Spaces, Assistant Town Clerk and Director of Major Projects, Director of Community & Children’s Services and the Chamberlain.

Members considered a joint report of the Chamberlain, Assistant Town Clerk & Director of Major Projects; Director of Open Spaces; and Director of Community & Children’s Services relative to the departmental budget estimates and high-level summary business plan for 2020/21.

With respect to the Commercial Manager role, it was noted that the fixed-term post would cost £84,000 in the first year with an income target of £60,000. The Fundamental Review recommended additional resources to cover the £24,000 shortfall. Subsequently the post would be continued only if income exceeded the cost of the position.

A Member expressed concern that a budget could be amended following the Committee’s agreement, however Officers advised that these amendments would only be made as a result of changes from other Committees.

RESOLVED, that Members –

1.    review and approve the Town Clerk’s – Cultural Services, Open Spaces and Community & Children’s Services Department’s proposed revenue budget for 2020/21 for submission to Finance Committee;

2.    review and approve the Town Clerk’s – Cultural Services, Open Spaces and Community & Children’s Services Department’s proposed capital and supplementary revenue projects budgets for 2020/21 for submission to Finance Committee;

3.    authorise the Chamberlain, in consultation with the Assistant Town Clerk & Director of Major Projects, Director of Open Spaces and the Director of Community & Children’s Services to revise these budgets to allow for any further implications arising from Corporate Projects, other reviews and changes to the Cyclical Works Programme;

4.    agree that minor amendments for 2019/20 and 2020/21 budgets arising during budget setting be delegated to the Chamberlain;

5.    note the factors taken into consideration in compiling the Town Clerk’s – Cultural Services, Open Spaces and Community & Children’s Services Department’s Business Plan, including efficiency measures, and;

6.    approve, subject to the incorporation of any changes sought by this Committee, the final high-level summary Budget Plans for 2020/21.