(a)

the Medium Term Financial Strategy had been approved by the Council on 21 November 2016; the strategy outlined measures to address the funding gap of £37m for the following three financial years;

(b)

the forecast budget gap for 2016/17 (as at January 2017) was £2.5m; a series of savings initiatives had been put forward to address the adverse situation which included the modernisation of services and increased income;

(c)

the council had accepted a four year Revenue Support Grant (RSG) settlement from the Government which would provide some certainty when planning for future years;

(d)

a modest increase in council tax was planned but cuts in Government grants would exceed the proposed increase; with services such as adult social care continuing to face high levels of demand it would be a real challenge for the council to  achieve the savings required;

(e)

the Place directorate was currently focusing its work on three key areas; growth (Plymouth Plan, Mayflower 400, new homes), income (£20m had been delivered through council tax, housing bonus) and modernisation (waste services, fees and charges);

(f)

the ‘Time for Big Decision’ consultation exercise had been undertaken to gain an insight into public opinion relating to the budget pressures faced by the Council; key areas of support included –

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the creation of jobs;

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support to bring empty homes back into use;

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provision of affordable housing;

(g)

key areas of concern from the consultation exercise included  -

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fly tipping and litter;

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the level of construction of student accommodation.

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the impact of the budget on child poverty;

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the reduction in the budget for Economic Development;

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what the future offer of transformation within the organisations would look like and the associated budget pressures in delivering the services;

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whether the workforce development budget had increased or decreased;

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whether the Council’s future use of Ballard House would have an impact on the budget;

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the number of houses within the Sherford development that would be situated within the Plymouth boundary (these houses would generate additional council tax);

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whether there was a growth strategy for the city which would ensure shared objectives with partners;

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the impact on business rates; academies were entitled to an 80% reduction in business rates and the proposed closure of a number libraries;

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whether an adequate conference facility would be provided as part of the redevelopment of the strategic waterfront site;

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accessibility  to the consultation information relating to the plan for libraries;

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the implications for the Council regarding the pension liability for Delt;

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what was the budget for highways winter maintenance, including pot holes;

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what measures were being implemented to encourage new homes to be built on stalled sites;

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the number of student  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.