Agenda item

10.1

Members considered a report of the Executive Director City Futures setting out budget pressures and savings proposals that are the responsibility of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.

It provided recommendations for savings which would support Sheffield City Council in setting a balanced budget in 2024/25. The recommendations had been subject to consultation with all political parties. The report also requested approval for increases of fees and charges included in Appendix 1.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:-

1.      Note the Council’s challenging financial position

2.      Note the pressures and risks identified in relation to the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Committee budget for the 24/25 financial year and commit to work with officers to mitigate these risks where possible.

3.      Note the recommended proposals to deliver savings of £300k for the financial year 2024/2025 for submission to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee.

4.      Agree the increase in fees and charges based on inflation increase and/or the principle of fair cost recovery.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The proposals recommended for endorsement have cross party support following the initial committee consultation.

It is critical that services are maintained to further support regeneration in the city and underpin game changing projects like Heart of the City II, Sheffield’s Levelling Up city centre pilots, Local Plan development and strategic transport improvements for the city. Added to this, there is a critical need to address Sheffield’s commitments around Net Zero and the climate agenda.

The use of the surplus income from road traffic schemes to alleviate the pressure of the ITA Levy is a considered choice. The alternative is reduction in service provision.

Removal of services and budgets will dramatically reduce the City’s ability to bid for and win external funding, which is critical to delivery of political and corporate priorities.

The recommended proposals allow the TRC Committee to deliver a balanced budget in response to the Council’s budget challenges

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Do nothing

By undertaking none of the proposed actions, TRC committee would not be in a position to contribute to delivering a balanced budget.

10.4.2

Deliver Balanced Budget

With the use of some of the surplus revenue from road traffic schemes, we would be able to deliver a balanced budget.

10.4.3

Offer greater budget savings by stopping services

Make further savings by stopping non statutory services. As above, additional proposals which propose cuts to services have been rejected by Committee.

10.1

Members considered a report of the Executive Director City Futures setting out budget pressures and savings proposals that are the responsibility of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.

10.1.1

The report provided recommendations for savings which would support Sheffield City Council in setting a balanced budget in 2024/25. The recommendations had been subject to consultation with all political parties. The report also requested approval for increases of fees and charges included in Appendix 1.

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:-

1.      Note the Council’s challenging financial position

2.      Note the pressures and risks identified in relation to the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Committee budget for the 24/25 financial year and commit to work with officers to mitigate these risks where possible.

3.      Note the recommended proposals to deliver savings of £300k for the financial year 2024/2025 for submission to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee.

4.      Agree the increase in fees and charges based on inflation increase and/or the principle of fair cost recovery.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

The proposals recommended for endorsement have cross party support following the initial committee consultation.

It is critical that services are maintained to further support regeneration in the city and underpin game changing projects like Heart of the City II, Sheffield’s Levelling Up city centre pilots, Local Plan development and strategic transport improvements for the city. Added to this, there is a critical need to address Sheffield’s commitments around Net Zero and the climate agenda.

The use of the surplus income from road traffic schemes to alleviate the pressure of the ITA Levy is a considered choice. The alternative is reduction in service provision.

Removal of services and budgets will dramatically reduce the City’s ability to bid for and win external funding, which is critical to delivery of political and corporate priorities.

The recommended proposals allow the TRC Committee to deliver a balanced budget in response to the Council’s budget challenges

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Do nothing

By undertaking none of the proposed actions, TRC committee would not be in a position to contribute to delivering a balanced budget.

10.4.2

Deliver Balanced Budget

With the use of some of the surplus revenue from road traffic schemes, we would be able to deliver a balanced budget.

10.4.3

Offer greater budget savings by stopping services

Make further savings by stopping non statutory services. As above, additional proposals which propose cuts to services have been rejected by Committee.