To consider the recommendations of the Mayor on the Revenue Budget proposals for 2017/2018:

o   Mayor’s Budget Proposals

o   Chief Finance Officer’s Report

o   Proposed Budget Digest (including the proposals for service change, income generation and savings) – circulated separately

o   Equality Impact Assessments – circulated separately

o   Proposed Fees and Charges – circulated separately

(see www.torbay.gov.uk/budget-201718 )

Further to the meeting of the Council held on 2 February 2017, Members considered the recommendations of the Mayor in relation to the Revenue Budget 2017/18 as set out in the submitted report and supporting documents.

In accordance with legislation, the Chairman advised that recorded votes would be taken on the motion and the objection.

Mayor Oliver proposed and Councillor Mills seconded a motion as set out below:

(i)         that the proposals identified for service change, income generation and efficiencies in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, as set out in the proposed Revenue Budget Digest, be approved;

(ii)        that the net revenue expenditure of £109.642m resulting in a Council Tax requirement of £60.075m for 2017/2018, a 3.99% increase which includes a 2% increase in Council Tax specifically for adult social care be approved;

(iii)       that, in relation to (ii) above, the Council’s commitment (by a statement signed by the Chief Financial Officer) to allocate the additional funding of £1.155m raised by the 2% increase in Council Tax to adult social care be confirmed;

(iv)       that the Dedicated Schools Grant be used in accordance with the Schools Financial Regulations and that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to make amendments as required when the final figures are confirmed;

(v)        that, in accordance with the requirement of the Local Government Act 2003, the advice given by the Chief Finance Officer with respect to the robustness of the budget estimates and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves (as set out in the submitted report) be considered and noted;  and

(vi)       that is be noted that Brixham Town Council has yet to set its budget for 2017/2018 and this precept, when known, will be included as part of the Torbay Council budget for Council Tax setting purposes.

During the debate and in accordance with Standing Order A14.4, Councillor Thomas (D) proposed and Councillor Darling (S) seconded an objection to the motion as follows:

that the Council formally objects to the Mayor’s revenue budget proposals, as a number of members across all political groups on the Council object to some or all of the following issues:

i)          that the Council should heed the advice of our Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer, the full Senior Leadership Team and the Local Government Association by increasing the Council tax by an additional 1% for adult social care in 2017/18, which is in line with the Government's recommendations.  This is to ensure that Torbay Council is able to continue to support vulnerable adults in accordance with the Council's Corporate Plan;

ii)         in light of the funding crisis facing the NHS and adult social care, the Council is very concerned on the Section 151 Officer's qualified opinion in respect of the Adult Social Care expenditure.  Therefore, the Council objects to the apparent inadequate provision for the risk share agreement with the Integrated Care Organisation and the potential costs of withdrawal from the current risk share arrangement from December 2017;

iii)        that the reduction in the Youth Service funding is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 142