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There was submitted a report by the Treasurer relative to the revenue estimates for the Joint Board including the requisition of constituent authorities for the financial year 2019/20 and indicative planning figures for 2020/21 and 2021/22.
An amended Appendix 1 to the report was tabled which detailed the revenue estimates 2019/20 to 2021/22 for the Joint Board and the requisitions for constituent authorities were detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.
The report intimated that the financial environment in which the Joint Board and constituent authorities operated continued to be characterised by significant demand and cost pressures, compounded by reducing levels of government grant support. The Scottish Budget and local government settlement announced on 12 December 2018 again reflected a core revenue grant cut for local authorities and was for a single year only, adding some uncertainty to financial forecasts. However, it was recognised that over the medium-term, local government in Scotland was likely to face further contraction in available resources, relating predominantly to the provision of revenue grant from the Scottish Government. In this context, the Joint Board would continue to seek operational savings to ensure financial sustainability.
Following the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration in 2014/15, the Cabinet Office had provided funding for any additional costs incurred as a result of additional duties undertaken during the lifetime of this Parliament. This funding would cease from 2020/21 and the Joint Board would be expected to meet the costs of the annual canvass, estimated at £75,000 per year, from its core budget. The UK Government intended to amend legislation governing the annual canvass during 2019 with the changes taking effect from the start of 2020. As detailed in the amended Appendix 1 to the report, meeting the costs of the annual canvass would put the Joint Board under severe financial pressure and would require further significant savings.
It was noted that the purchase cost of the NDR system had not been reflected in the 2019/20 budget as constituent authorities had already agreed to contribute £25,000 towards this as a one-off cost. This cost would be split on the same basis as the revenue requisition with the share being £14,100 for Renfrewshire Council; £5,800 for Inverclyde Council and £5,100 for East Renfrewshire Council.
The report provided information on the assumptions that the budget had been based on and a financial overview for the Joint Board.
Councillor McVey, seconded by Councillor Audrey Doig moved (a) that the 2019/20 revenue estimates, as detailed in the amended Appendix 1 to the report tabled at the meeting, and the requisitions for constituent authorities, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved; (b) that the indicative estimates for 2020/21 and 2021/22 be noted; (c) that the share of one-off funding as outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved; and (d) that due to the level of unallocated savings and the various financial challenges facing the Joint Board, as outlined in this report, that a further report be submitted to the next meeting of the Joint Board to be held on 31 May 2019, giving greater detail as to how the unallocated savings in 2020/21 and 2021/22 would be achieved, without placing a greater burden on member council finances.
Councillor Sharkey, seconded by Councillor Begg, moved as an amendment (a) that the 2019/20 revenue estimates, as detailed in the amended Appendix 1 to the report tabled at the meeting, and the requisitions for constituent authorities, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved; (b) that the indicative estimates for 2020/21 and 2021/22 be noted; (c) that the share of one-off funding as outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved; and (d) that due to the level of unallocated savings and the various financial challenges facing the Joint Board, as outlined in this report, that a further report be submitted to the next meeting of the Joint Board to be held on 31 May 2019, giving greater detail as to how the unallocated savings in 2020/21 and 2021/22 would be achieved, with the loss of the three clerical grade posts detailed in the report.
On a vote being taken, 3 members voted for the amendment and 8 members voted for the motion. The motion was accordingly declared carried.
DECIDED:
(a) That the 2019/20 revenue estimates, as detailed in the amended Appendix 1 to the report tabled at the meeting, and the requisitions for constituent authorities, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved;
(b) That the indicative estimates for 2020/21 and 2021/22 be noted;
(c) That the share of one-off funding as outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved; and
(d) That due to the level of unallocated savings and the various financial challenges facing the Joint Board, as outlined in this report, that a further report be submitted to the next meeting of the Joint Board to be held on 31 May 2019, giving greater detail as to how the unallocated savings in 2020/21 and 2021/22 would be achieved, without placing a greater burden on member council finances.