(i)            That all Members and the Overview and Scrutiny Board consider the draft revenue and capital budgets and implications of the draft proposals for investment in services, efficiencies and income generation. The Overview and Scrutiny Board (through its Priorities and Resources Review Panel) will consider certain specific issues arising from these savings proposals and publish its recommendations by 9 February 2023 on the outcomes of its deliberations and stakeholder representations for the Cabinet to consider;

(ii)          The draft proposals for investment in services, efficiencies and income generation are based upon the provisional Local Government Finance settlement as announced by central government on 19 December 2022;

(iii)         That public consultation be undertaken on the proposals. (The results from this consultation will be considered by the Cabinet with the Cabinet’s final proposals being published on 23 February 2023.);

(iv)         That the Chief Finance Officer be given authority to amend these budget proposals for any technical adjustments necessary between services and within the overall envelope of funding in agreement with the Leader of the Council; and

(v)          That the Chief Finance Officer report to the meeting of the Cabinet on 23 January 2023 on the implications for 2023/2024 as a result of these proposals currently being considered and in light of the final settlement which is expected by early February 2023.

To enable the consultation process on the proposed Revenue Budget and Capital Plan for 2023/2024 to begin.

Alternative options were not considered.

This decision to publish the draft revenue budget and the savings proposals will come into force immediately, so as to commence the formal consultation process on the budget.

The Leader of the Council on behalf of the Cabinet has announced their provisional revenue and capital budget including proposals for service change, income generation and efficiencies for 2023/2024 (as available at Budget 2023/24 - Torbay Council) to enable the consultation process to start. The proposals for investment in services, efficiencies and income generation and development of the budget will support the Council in delivering its ambitions as set out in the Community and Corporate Plan.

Additional supporting financial information will be supplied in due course to help inform consultation and scrutiny of the proposals. Information will be placed on the Council 2023/2024 Budget webpage at Budget 2023/24 - Torbay Council.

The Cabinet wishes to hear the views of all Members of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Board and external stakeholders together with specific service users on their proposals before finally recommending a budget to the Council in March 2023.

Councillor Cowell proposed and Councillor Long seconded a motion, as set out above, which was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet.

None.