Agenda item

The Chair invited Sarah Pickup (Deputy CEO, LGA) to discuss the 2020/21 Priorities & Work Programme. Sarah gave a brief introduction and asked members for comments.

In the subsequent discussion members raised the following points;

-        Members urged the need for flexibility in the Work Programme given the ongoing challenges of the COVID crisis. Temporary and emergency accommodation were raised as areas of increasing demand. Sarah added that flexibility is being placed at the core of all LGA work, with close monitoring of the key challenges facing local authorities.

-        Questions arose on the ongoing Business Rates Review and the decision-making process between the Resources Board, Executive Advisory Board and the Business Rates and Local Government Finance Reform Task & Finish Group. Sarah outlined the current progress of the Review and the governance arrangements to ensure the submission deadlines are met. Papers relating to the Review will be shared with the Resources Board for information purposes.

-        The prospect of local government reorganisation was briefly discussed, along with the impact this might have on finance and the provision of adult social care.

-        On the Comprehensive Spending Review, members noted opposition to one-year settlements which do not provide scope for long term planning. Sarah added that the LGA is continuing to push for three-year budgets but also explained that shorter-term agreements are also needed to meet immediate concerns.

The Chair summarised the discussion, flexibility will be important moving forward with the continued uncertainty around funding as a result.

Decision

The Members of the Resources Board noted the proposed priority areas of 2020/21.

Action

Officers to action the Work Programme in line with comments from Members.