Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt please contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

30.1     No declarations of interest were made.

Cabinet Members are asked to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2023(cream paper).

31.1     Resolved – that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2023 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

Report by Director of Finance and Support Services and Director of Law and Assurance.

Cabinet is asked to endorse the Council Plan and the County Council Budget for 2024/25.  This includes the recommendations listed on page 5 and Annex 1, the updated Council Plan as set out in Annex 1 (Appendix 8), the Capital Strategy set out in Annex 2(a) and the Treasury Management Statement set out in Annex 2(b); for approval by County Council on 16 February 2024.

Following consideration of the report the Cabinet resolved to:

Endorse the Council Plan and the County Council Budget for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix A, including the recommendations listed on page 5 and Annex 1, the updated Council Plan as set out in Annex 1 (Appendix 8), the Capital Strategy set out in Annex 2(a) and the Treasury Management Statement set out in Annex 2(b), for approval by County Council on 16 February 2024.

The call-in deadline is 8 February 2024.

32.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Finance and Support Services and Director of Law and Assurance (copy appended to the signed minutes).

32.2     The Leader introduced the report and highlighted that the budget delivered the Council Plan which contained the key priorities for the council.  There had been significant growth in demand for services, particularly social care.  There had also been a rise in inflation, and challenges with recruitment.  Public consultation showed a majority of support for the priorities.  Despite the financial pressures, key work was continuing such as keeping children safe and with their families wherever possible, school improvement journeys, library literacy activities and preventative works from the Fire & Rescue Service to keep people safe.  Economic planning was also key, with the Council adopting the Local Enterprise Partnership work from April.  This would include working with District and Borough councils on growth deals.  The proposed budget makes good use of reserves and assets and delivers the best outcomes for residents.  Despite the challenging environment, the County Council continues to invest in the economy and capital projects.

32.3     Cllr Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, introduced the budget and confirmed that it had be prepared to support key priorities and front line services.  It was confirmed that the gross spend for 2024/25 was calculated to be over £2bn.  There were key government announcements to highlight.  The first is the November statement and the increase in national living wage.  The improvement this gave to workers was welcomed, but it added a financial impact to the budget that was an estimated extra £6m.  The second is the increase in funding of £14.5, which was welcomed to help soften the increase of front line services costs which had increased by £82m.  The Government had also recently announced further funding of £500m for councils.  It was anticipated that this would mean approximately £6m for West Sussex.  An addendum would be made to the final County Council budget papers to consider this allocation.  The conclusion by the Director of Finance and Support Services, reported satisfaction with the accounts and that the County Council was able to deliver its statutory duties without relying on reserves for revenue commitments.

32.4     Taryn Eves, Director of Finance and Support Services, confirmed that the budget had been prepared to reflect the challenging financial environment.  Risks would need to be monitored, as well as all assumptions and forecasts concerning service pressures.  It was confirmed that the recently announced additional funding from government would be carefully considered and proposals would be prepared in time for the County Council meeting.  There was an expected impact on treasury management income due to the impact of the Dedicated School Grant (DSG) deficit as well as other factors.  This impact would lead to external borrowing for the capital programme in 2025/26, rather than 2026/27 as originally planned.  Reserves remained at a prudent level.

32.5     The Leader clarified the position on the DSG deficit, in that education provision should be covered by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Cabinet Members are invited to provide any verbal updates on current, significant issues for their respective portfolios which may benefit from discussion.

33.1     The Leader confirmed there were no portfolio updates required.

The next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on 12 March 2024.

34.1     The Cabinet noted that its next scheduled meeting will be held on 12 March 2024.