Decision details

11.1

This report sets out the budget pressures and risks facing the services that are the responsibility of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee (CPLC), and a budget action plan to mitigate these as far as possible in the 23/24 financial year.

It provides recommendations for approval which will allow our services to contribute to Sheffield City Council’s ability to set a balanced budget.

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Acknowledges the recommendation approved at the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 July 2022 that “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.”

2.     Notes, as this Committee's initial response to the Strategy and Resources Committee's request, the set of budget proposals set out in this report [and in any appendices]

3.     Notes 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.

4.     Notes 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.

5.     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.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

Members were asked to note the unsustainable financial position highlighted by the medium-term financial analysis presented to Strategy and Resources Committee in July 2022. This report and its recommendations, sets out the scale of the challenge ahead, the limited resources available and some of the difficult decisions that will need to be taken.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The Council is required to both set a balance budget and to ensure that in-year income and expenditure are balanced. All the options to achieve this were presented to this Committee for consideration.