Key points from the discussion:
1. The Assistant Head of Trading Standards presented the budget report and highlighted the following points: -
a) because of the timing of this meeting the final out turn position was not available. Therefore, the most recent forecast was included in the report.
b) The 2024/25 budget was included for approval and that included some pressures on the service and some savings.
2. Both Chairs recognised some of the risks mentioned in the report and how they were being managed. He was pleased to see the year on year improvement in income following Covid. However, he also spoke of difficult times ahead for budgets but thought that the service we're doing the right things with structures, doing business and where the focus lay. They expressed their gratitude to officers.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
That officers re-think timing of meetings next year in order to have fuller information on the budget.
RESOLVED:
1. That the forecast outturn for the joint service budget for 2023/24 be noted.
2. That the budget for 2024/25 was agreed.