5 Service Budgets 2023/24 PDF 243 KB
To consider the report which sets out the allocation of approved budgets for 2023/24 for services under the committee’s remit, as determined by the Finance Sub-Committee.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The committee received the report which set out the allocation of the approved budgets for 2023/24 to the Children and Families Committee.
A request was made for fewer non-decision reports to be brought to committee going forward as this was a decision making meeting.
A query was raised as to the Supporting Families Programme and how much funding each area of the borough received from this programme. The Director of Strong Start, Family Help and Integration suggested that a quarterly report could be shared with the committee to provide this breakdown and updates going forward.
It was noted that finance training sessions were being arranged for Councillors. A request was made for this to include training on the Dedicated Schools Grant and for this to be offered to all Members. Members expressed a view that this should be as a separate session due to the complexity of the Dedicated Schools Grant and the Executive Director of Children’s Services agreed to take these comments away and look into how it could best be delivered.
Members put forward comments in relation to Cheshire East being under-funded and suggested that there was a need to lobby central government on this issue. A request was made for consideration to be given to bringing an agenda item to this committee to show collective intent.
RESOLVED:
That the Children and Families Committee:
1. Note the decision of the Finance Sub-Committee to allocate the approved revenue and capital budgets, related budget policy changes and earmarked reserves to the Children and Families Committee, as set out in Appendix A.
2. Note the financial reporting timetable for 2023/24 set out in Appendix B due to be approved at Finance Sub-Committee on 7 June.