To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance referred from the Executive Meeting held on 1 September 2014.

The Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance submitted a report setting out proposed measures to reduce the shortfall which had been identified within the Children, Families and Wellbeing Budget for 2014/15.

The recommendations set out in the report were moved and seconded and after a debate were put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the Council notes the additional in-year savings within the Children, Families and Wellbeing Directorate of up to £(3.3)million.

(2)        That a reduction in the Provision for Equal Pay Claims of £(1.0)million and the use of capital receipts of £(1.3)million from Urmston Town Centre, as outlined in paragraph 3.6 of the report, be approved.

(3)        That the Council approves the further use of up to £(1.6)million from the General Reserve in support of the 2014/15 budget.

(4)        That the use of the General Reserve (if required) for the Council’s contribution to the accumulated deficit on the Learning Disability Pooled Budget, be approved, on condition that the General Reserve is restored to the approved minimum level for 2015/16.

To receive a report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Director, Children, Families and Wellbeing.

The Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance submitted a report which set out proposed measures to reduce the shortfall which had been identified within the Children, Families and Wellbeing Budget for 2014-15. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions, and the Executive agreed to recommend Council to approve a number of proposed measures.

RESOLVED – That it be recommended that Council:

1.    Notes the additional in-year savings within the Children, Families & Wellbeing Directorate of up to £(3.3)m;

2.    Approves the reduction in the Provision for Equal Pay Claims of £(1.0)m and the use of capital receipts of £(1.3)m from Urmston Town Centre as outlined in para. 3.6 of the report;

3.    Approves the further use of up to £(1.6)m from the General Reserve in support of the 2014/15 budget;

4.    Approves the use of the General Reserve (if required) for the Council’s contribution to the accumulated deficit on the Learning Disability Pooled Budget on condition that the General Reserve is restored to the approved minimum level for 2015/16.