EXECUTIVE MEMBER REPORT TO COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2008
Annual Revenue Support Grant Settlement
Central Government released details of its provisional settlements to local authorities on 6th December 2007, which outlines the ‘Formula Grant’ for the next three financial years.
As was expected, the national settlement is not as generous as it has been in recent years and produces a tough settlement for Middlesbrough. At the time of writing this report, further work and analysis is needed, particularly in respect of specific grant allocations. However, early indications are that the figures over a 3-year period are close to those predicted in the Medium Term Financial Plan.
The increase in Formula Grant (on a directly comparable basis to previous years) is 4.5% for 2008/09, 2.9% in 2009/10 and 2.3% in 2010/11.
The actual amounts of the grant are:
· 2008/09 £79.455 million
· 2009/10 £81.714 million
· 2010/11 £83.591 million
We have been successful in challenging assumptions in relation to reductions in population and an annual loss of 700-750 in population has now been assumed in contrast to an earlier figure assumed of 1,300. This improves the gross setttlement that Middlesbrough is entitlted to.
All authorities providing services such as those provided by Middlesbrough (including Social Services and Education) receive a minimum increase, otherwise known as the “floor”. This amounts to 2% in 2008/09, 1.75% in 2009/10 and 1.5% in 2010/11. These arrangements are self-financing in that authorities, such as Middlesbrough who receive amounts above the floor have their entitlements reduced, or “damped” in order to support those below the floor. In Middlesbrough’s case this amounts to £7.5million over three years.
Representations will be made to central government on the settlement, particularly about the extent to which resources are being withheld from Middlesbrough under the damping arrangements referred to above and also requesting additional funding for Social Services (Children and Adults) demand led pressures and costs relating to independent sector price rises.
Budget Consultation
There will be a range of meetings consulting on the 2008/09 budget.
Two meetings are available for all Members, they are:
· Friday 18th January at 2pm, and
· Wednesday 23rd January at 5.30pm
In addition there will be public meetings held in four areas of the town, open to any local residents:
North Middlesbrough
Tuesday 8th January, 6.30-8.30pm
Abingdon Primary School, Abingdon Road.
East Middlesbrough
Thursday 10th January, 6.30-8.30pm
Joe Walton Youth and Community Centre, Neptune Centre, Berwick Hills
South Middlesbrough
Monday January 14th, 6.30-8.30pm
Hemlington Library Community Room, the Viewley Centre, Hemlington
West Middlesbrough
Wednesday January 16th, 6.30-8.30pm
The Friends Meeting House, Main Worship Room, Cambridge Road
Consultation will also be undertaken with the business sector, the Works Council and other key stakeholders.
Consultation will be on Middlesbrough Council’s budget only, as the police and fire brigade set their budgets separately.
Integrated Performance/Budget Clinics
During December I have taken part in Integrated Performance and Budgets Clinics chaired by the Deputy Mayor. These clinics provide the opportunity to examine performance together with budgetary implications.
Access to Buildings for People with Disabilities
A phased programme of improvements is being carried out to increase the percentage of council buildings open to the public which can be accessed by people with disabilities.
|
Year |
Spend |
% of buildings accessible |
|
2003/2004 |
£65,000 |
13.40% |
|
2004/2005 |
£91,000 |
20.90% |
|
2005/2006 |
£180,000 |
35.80% |
|
2006/2007 |
£50,000 |
44.20% |
|
2007/2008* |
£252,000 |
50.00% |
* Projected
For those remaining buildings which are not yet accessible, training is being provided to building managers in order that temporary solutions can be found for the public wishing to use them.
Payment of Council Tax
Members may recall that from April 2007, the facility to pay council tax, free of charge, was introduced at Post Offices and other ‘Allpay’ outlets. Recently this facility has been extended to ‘Paypoint’. This will greatly extend choice for customers who are unable to pay by direct debit.
NICKY WALKER
EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR RESOURCES
