Decision details

7.1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director – City Futures. The report sets out the budget pressures and risks facing services that sit within the responsibility of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Committee (TRC Committee), and a budget action plan to mitigate these as far as possible in the 23/24 financial year.

It provides savings recommendations which form part of Sheffield City Council’s objectives around setting a balanced budget. 

7.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:-

·       Acknowledge the recommendation approved at the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 July 2022that “Policy Committees will be asked to develop savings / additional income options that cover their own pressures – in effect cash standstill” and to “require Policy Committees to report at their meetings in September on how they can balance their budgets.”

·       Note, as this Committee's initial response to the Strategy and Resources Committee's request, the set of budget proposals set out in this report, including part 2.

·       Note that Officers will now work with Members to consult with relevant stakeholders (including with partners, trades unions and in respect of equalities and climate change) on the proposals in this report so as to inform final budget proposals.

·       Note that Officers will work to develop any necessary detailed implementation plans for the proposals in this report so that the proposals, if ultimately approved, can be implemented as planned before or during the 2023/24 financial year.

·       Ask to receive a further report in November that will set out the final budget for this Committee following consultation and any adjustments requested by the Strategy and Resources Committee.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

Committee Members and officers have sought to strike a balance between meeting budget challenges and continuing to deliver strategically important and statutory services to support Sheffield’s corporate priorities around transport, climate change, regeneration, sustainability and planning.  

7.3.2

It is critical that services are maintained to further support regeneration in the city and underpin game changing projects like Heart of the City, Sheffield’s Levelling Up city centre pilots, Local Plan development and strategic transport improvements for the city.  Added to this, there is a critical need to address Sheffield’s commitments around Net Zero and the climate agenda.

7.3.3

Removal of services and budgets will dramatically reduce the City’s ability to bid for and win external funding, which is critical to delivery of Member and corporate priorities

7.3.4

The recommended proposals allow the TRC Committee to make a substantial contribution to the Council’s budget challenges. Further options can be considered by Strategy and Resources Committee with the TRC committee, as the range of options proposed across all Committees are considered together.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

Do nothing

If none of the proposed actions are progressed, there is no likelihood of delivering a balanced budget.

7.4.2

Deliver Balanced Budget

Make further savings by revisiting those options currently rejected by Committee Members.

7.4.3

Offer greater budget savings by stopping services

Make further savings by stopping non statutory services