Report of the Chamberlain.
Minutes:
The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Open Spaces and Chamberlain on the budget estimates for the Epping Forest and Commons Committee for 2021/22. The Chamberlain introduced the report and emphasised the saving proposals which had been actioned. The Director of Open Spaces highlighted the twelve percent savings required across the City of London Corporation and commented on the importance of starting the year with a balanced budget. The Chairman remarked that while the funding reduction was painful it was required and stated any works not completed in the Cyclical Works Programme in 2021 be planned for 2022.
Responding to a Committee member’s query the Director of Open Spaces clarified that the Climate Action Strategy funding had been confirmed, with the majority of the open spaces allocated funds taking place at sites in Epping Forest and the Commons.
A Member highlighted the reduction in the budget for funding apprenticeships within the Open Spaces Department. The Director of Open Spaces explained that, despite the reduction in funding, the Department would still be bidding for central funding for apprentices. The Chairman suggested that the open spaces committee chairmen and deputy chairmen discuss this matter further and that a report be brought to the Committee for consideration.
The Chairman suggested that the Committee consider Item 8, the CWP Updated Bid Report, before reaching a decision on Item 4. The Committee agreed to consider the Item 8 before approving Item 4.
It was commented that it was important to know what risk there was of certain projects not being completed due to the reduced budget.
RESOLVED- That: -
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