Agenda item - Overview and Scrutiny Report: The Societal Impact of the In-Year Budget Reductions

Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached).

89.1         Councillor Watkins introduced the report and stated that he felt it had been an important scrutiny and had produced clear recommendations which he hoped would be taken forward.  He wished to thank the Panel Members and the scrutiny officers who had helped to ensure that the review was well supported.

89.2         Councillor Young stated that she wished to thank the Panel for undertaking the review and completing it so quickly in light of the unprecedented cuts that had been announced by the government.  The recommendations had been taken on board and had informed the 2011/12 budget setting process.

89.3         Councillor Wakefield-Jarrett thanked those involved in the scrutiny process, especially the CVS staff and finance officers who came to give evidence and enabled the panel to develop an understanding of the pressures caused by the in-year budget announcements.  She hoped that an equalities impact assessment would be available with future budget papers and welcomed the acceptance of the recommendations.

89.4         Councillor Fallon-Khan welcomed the report and drew attention to paragraphs 8.4 and recommendation 9 in relation to partnership working of the panel’s report; which had been highlighted by the panel and which he felt had been recognised by the Leader and already actioned.

89.5         Councillor Watkins noted the comments and recommended the report to the council.

89.6         RESOLVED: That the report be noted.