Agenda item

To consider the report of The Chamberlain, Deputy Town Clerk, Executive Director Environment, Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, and City Surveyor. 

The Committee considered the report of The Chamberlain, Deputy Town Clerk, Executive Director Environment, Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services, and the City Surveyor.

The Committee reviewed the proposed allocation of the 2025/26 revenue budget to ensure that it reflected the Committee’s objectives.

A Member sought clarification on this section: “Executive Director Environment (£0.014m net decrease) – minor adjustment, decrease attributed to a reduction in depreciation at Keats House” and also queried the accuracy of staffing costs.

The meeting noted that the depreciation of Keats House covered an extended time period, and that staffing costs were increased partly as a result of historic vacancies, and that casual staff were used at the City Information Centre.

A Member commented that there appeared to be missed opportunities to showcase British art at Mansion House. 

A number of Members commented that Guildhall Art Gallery did not appear to be getting the resources it needed given its importance and significance.

RESOLVED, That the Committee

-        Approve the budget for submission to the Finance Committee;

-        Authorise the Chamberlain, in consultation with the Deputy Town Clerk, Executive Directors of Community and Children’s Services, Environment, and the City Surveyor to revise these budgets to allow for any further implications arising from Corporate Projects, the Target Operating Model other reviews and changes to the Cyclical Works Programme; and

-        Authorise the Chamberlain to agree minor amendments for 2025/25 budgets arising during budget-setting.