HC 38/22
Consideration was given to a report that
presented the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy from
2023/24 to 2025/26.
In discussion, Members were of the view that
the recommendations constituted a sensible set of proposals for the
three-year period from 2023/24 to 2025/26.
It was then RESOLVED that:
1. Council be RECOMMENDED:
i.
to continue to respond to Government consultations on Business
Rates Reform;
ii: to continue to actively lobby
and engage with the Government, Devon MPs, South West Councils and
other sector bodies such as the District Councils’ Network
and the Rural Services Network, for a realistic business rates
baseline to be set for the Council for 2024 onwards, when the
business rates reset is predicted to happen (NB. this is the
earliest date it might happen);
iii: to continue to lobby in support of the
Government eliminating Negative Revenue Support Grant in 2023/24
(and thereafter) and continues to lobby for Rural Services Delivery
Grant allocations which adequately reflect the cost of rural
service provision;
iv: to note the Council’s strategic
intention with its Council Tax setting strategy (as set out in
paragraph 3.6 of the published agenda report). (NB. the actual
council tax for 2023/24 will be decided by Council in February
2023);
v: to approve the use of the Revenue Grant
Earmarked Reserve to fund the Council’s share of the costs of
a two-year fixed term post that will be responsible for driving
improved customer service and operational efficiency by exploiting
technology and transformation (as set out in Appendix D, section
1.9 of the presented agenda report). (The total cost for West Devon
is £80,000); and
2. the forecast budget gap for 2023/24 of
£269,296 (3% of the projected Net Budget of £8.72million) and the
position for future years be noted