Agenda item

To receive the allocation of approved budgets for 2025-26.

The committee received a report on the allocation of approved budgets for 2025-26 following approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-26 – 2028-29 by Full Council on 26 February 2025. The committee asked a number of questions, as summarised below.

It was highlighted that the Strategic Leisure Review Stage 2 budget line (74) reported an additional £403k spend compared to 2024-25. It was queried if this included the reduction of funding at Middlewich Leisure Centre. The decision relating to the asset disposal at Holmes Chapel and Middlewich, and alternative delivery models was also raised. It was queried that, as no alternative delivery models had been identified, should this have been considered by the committee as a policy matter. It was confirmed that the decision taken by the committee in March 2024 delegated authority to the former Interim Director Environment and Neighbourhoods to take all necessary steps to implement the proposals agreed by the committee however officers committed to reviewing the decision/delegation and providing a written response. It was confirmed that the £403k did include the reduction in the service budget spend at Middlewich Leisure Centre.  

It was noted that the 2024-28 MTFS had estimated a £350k saving in relation to the Libraries Strategy – Stage 1, for 2024-25 and £250k saving for 2025-26 however there was an underachievement reported at Financial Review 3 of £74k. The 2025-26 budget suggested there would now be £100k saving for stage 1. It was queried where the remainder of the originally anticipated saving had gone and if the £100k saving was an additional saving, or a saving previously agreed by the committee.  In response, it was confirmed that the saving reduction was the result of the decisions made previously by the committee in relation to ‘Tiers’ and a reduction in opening hours. The second budget change line related to the ‘Trust’ for libraries, as when further explored this was not deemed appropriate at this stage.

It was highlighted that a recent Officer Decision Record (ODR) published on the mobile recycling service stated that there was no growth in 2025-26 however a net growth in environmental services was reported. It was queried if the ODR would result in a budget cut or was within current budgets and how this would sit within budget lines 83 and 84 (Environmental Services Growth 2025-26 onwards / Environmental Services Savings 2025-26 onwards). A detailed breakdown of lines 83 and 84 were requested. Officers committed to providing a written response.

In relation to Household Waste and Recycling Centres, it was noted that there was a total of £1.490m in capital projects, including £900k for a review. A detailed breakdown of this funding and what it would mean for Macclesfield HWRC was requested. Officers committed to providing a written response.

It was noted that, in relation to libraries, £297k income was anticipated. It was queried if this included an allocation for Town and Parish Council’s contributing through the ‘Top Up Service’ and if so, how many T3 libraries had signed up to this. Officers committed to providing a written response.

Councillor Browne took the opportunity to highlight that Councillor Cllr Vince Fogharty, from Alderley Edge Parish Council, previously spoke at the committee in November 2024 and raised a number of questions in relation to the Library Strategy, and that a written response was promised, but still outstanding. Councillor Browne further highlighted that the Parish Clerk, Alderley Parish Council, had contacted the council in relation to an agreement however no response had been received. The Director of Planning and Environment agreed to follow this up and ensure responses were provided as soon as possible.

Questions were raised in relation to the Strategic Leisure Review. The Chair sought advice and confirmed that this matter was not a substantive item on the agenda and should not be debated during today’s meeting. It was requested that a written response be provided to the committee setting out the grounds for not allowing questions on this matter.  

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee:

1. To note the decision of the Finance Sub-Committee to allocate the approved revenue and capital budgets, related budget changes items and earmarked reserves to the Environment and Communities Committee, as set out in Annex A.

2. To note the financial reporting timetable for 2025/26 set out in Annex B as approved at Finance Sub-Committee on 10 March 2025.