To approve the Council’s Revenue Budget and Capital Investment Plan Budget for 2016/2017 including the setting of fees and charges for Council services, the Council’s Corporate Asset Management Strategy and Capital Strategy.

(i)            that the Executive Lead for Business accepts the Council’s objection; and

(ii)          that the Mayor’s final budget proposals include a revised amount of £744,000 (an increase of £10,000) for Customer Services to enable an appointments system for face to face enquiries one day per week in Council libraries in Torquay and Brixham.  The additional £10,000 funding for Customer Services to be allocated from the Grant Income and Contingencies budget.  This revision updates recommendation 2.1 (c) of the original submitted report.

To respond to the Council’s objections to the Revenue Budget for 2016/2017.  The Executive Lead for Business accepts the Council’s objections and presents revised amounts to maintain a face to face presence in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham with Torquay and Brixham operating an appointments system for face to face enquiries one day per week.

None

The Executive Lead for Business’ revised proposals will be considered at the Council meeting on 25 February 2016.

At the adjourned Council meeting on 11 February 2016, the Council formally objected to the Revenue Budget 2016/2017 in respect of the reduction to the Connections Service, on the basis that it is not clear how the savings will be achieved, despite significant opposition to change being indicated in the public consultation and the potential that any change could adversely affect senior citizens and the more vulnerable in society.

In accordance with paragraph F2.9 Standing Orders – Budget and Policy Framework, the Council required the Executive Lead for Business (as the Mayor has a pecuniary interest in the matter) to consider this objection by 10 am on 19 February 2016 and either:

a)         submit a revision of the estimates or amounts as amended by the elected Mayor with the reasons for any amendments made to the estimates or amounts, to the Council for its consideration;  or

b)         inform the Council of any disagreement that the elected Mayor has with any of the Council’s objections and the elected Mayor’s reasons for any such disagreement.

As the Mayor an interest in this matter, the Executive Lead for Business has considered the recommendation of the Council and his proposed response is set out in this Record of Decision.

The Mayor has a pecuniary interest in this matter and has delegated his decision making powers to the Executive Lead for Business in respect of Connections.