Decision - Draft General Fund Budget & Resources Update 2023/24

RESOLVED : That the Committee – (i) Noted the updated forecasts and latest resource estimates set out in the report; (ii) Noted the Draft Budget Strategies and first draft savings at Appendix 1 and requests that the criteria against which these draft savings are measured is published in full for this committee to scrutinise at February Policy & Resources Committee; (iii) Noted the draft Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) at Appendix 2 and notes that final EIAs will be provided to February Policy & Resources Committee and Budget Council; (iv) Noted the updated budget gaps set out in paragraph 4.23 totalling £ 53.739m over the 4-year period, including £ 18.930m in 2023/24; (v) Noted the potential actions and routes that the authority may need to consider if it is unable to develop and agree a balanced budget for 2023/24, including accommodating the impact of any projected overspend for 2022/23 as at month 9 (December); (vi) Noted that updated financial data and information from central government regarding the Local Government Financial Settlement ( LGFS ) may impact further on the development of budget proposals for 2023/24.

Brighton & Hove City Council reported a highly challenging financial position, with a projected budget gap of £18.930 million in 2023/24 and £53.739 million over four years. The committee was asked to note the updated forecasts, draft budget strategies, first draft savings proposals and draft equality impact assessments, with further savings or resources expected to be identified before the February budget process.