The City Council will asked to approve a revised approach to financial planning over the medium term and to support a council-wide transformation programme based on co-operative values to substantially reduce the operating costs of the council and ensure the maximum possible investment in achieving Corporate Plan objectives.

The minute of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board held on 4 September 2013 and the minute of Cabinet held on 3 September 2013 will be submitted together with the report considered at Cabinet.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) presented the Cabinet recommendations on the Brilliant Co-operative Council Sustainable Three Year Plan (Cabinet minute 42 referred) and indicated that in order to avoid cuts to address the £65m predicted shortfall in three years’ time, a transformation programme was being developed with a view to adopting a commercial approach to providing services.  The council would work with partners, communities and the Co-operative Scrutiny Board. In addition opposition members would be invited to join a proposed Transformation Advisory Group.       

Councillor Williams seconded the proposal and emphasised the importance of a cross party approach on this issue.

Councillor James (Chair of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board) presented the recommendations of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board on the plan (minute 61 referred) and welcomed the transformation proposals. 

Following a debate, Councillor Evans advised members that he had appointed Councillor Williams as the Cabinet lead for transformation.             

The recommendations of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board were noted, which endorsed the Cabinet recommendations and included a request for a further report to the Co-operative Scrutiny Board on 16 October 2013 when Councillor Evans and the Chief Executive would report on the transformation programme and its key elements, including governance proposals.

Agreed -

The Chief Executive will submit a report identifying some of the key financial challenges that the council faces over the coming three years, proposing a revised approach to financial planning over the medium term, and seeking support for a council-wide transformation programme based on co-operative values to substantially reduce the operating costs of the council and ensure the maximum possible investment in achieving Corporate Plan objectives.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) submitted a report identifying some of the key financial challenges that the council would face over the coming three years and proposing a revised approach to financial planning over the medium term. The report also sought support for a council-wide transformation programme based on co-operative values to substantially reduce the operating costs of the council and ensure the maximum possible investment in achieving Corporate Plan objectives.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) introduced the proposals and indicated that -  

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) referred to recent press statements by Oliver Colville MP, relating to requests for further spending proposals in the city and indicated that no such requests had been submitted to the local authority. Councillor Lowry indicated that he would welcome a meeting with Oliver Colville MP or representatives of any other local authorities should they wish to contact him. 

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) advised Cabinet Members that the council would await the local government settlement in December 2013/ January 2014 and would be working with partners across the city on the major transformation programme.     

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Cabinet was advised that the proposals would be considered by the Co-operative Scrutiny Board on 4 September 2013 and that the recommendations would be submitted direct to the City Council meeting for consideration.

The City Council is Recommended to -