To inform Cabinet of the outcome of the ‘Shaping Bridgend’s Future’ 2018 consultation which asked citizens to share their views on a number of key budget proposals being considered over the Medium Term Financial Strategy period.

The Interim Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer submitted a report which informed Cabinet of the Outcome of the ‘Shaping Bridgend’s Future’ 2018 consultation which asked citizens to share their views on a number of key budget proposals being considered over the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period.  She stated that following further reductions in funding from central government, all Councils are continuing to change the way they work and the services they provide so that they can manage with less.  This Council has made reductions from its budget of £30.7 million over the last four years, with an expectation of significant further reductions required.  

She explained that respondents were asked to share their views on a range of budget proposals, being considered between 2019-20 and 2022-23, including: proposed increases to council tax; which services to protect and / or cut over others; post 16 transport, nursey education, school budgets, leisure and cultural services, recycling and waste, social services and bus services.  The way in which consultation on the budget proposals has been developed to include new ways for people to participate and engage with the Council, including surveys, social media and drop in sessions with clicker pads.  In addition, the views of young people were gathered, with pupils from all nine comprehensive schools taking part in clicker pad sessions and paper surveys.  Interactive sessions also took place in 15 primary schools.  She stated that the budget consultation overview, document and surveys were made available online via the Council’s website between 24 September and 18 November 2018.  The consultation was aimed at reaching key stakeholders which included citizens, schools, Cabinet Members/ Councillors, local businesses, the third sector, council staff, town and community councils, partner organisations, community and equality groups, youth services/ council and local media.  The consultation was supported by a full communications and promotional plan.  Additionally, methods of engagement included a survey, available both online and in hard copy format; community engagement events, elected member workshops; other meetings / networking events; social media debates and comments and a dedicated Citizens’ Panel survey.       

The Interim Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer informed Cabinet that 5,228 responses were received representing a significant increase on the previous year.  She stated that 48% of respondents were not prepared to pay more council tax in order to protect services (than the proposed 4.9% increase).  The most popular services to protect were schools, the care of older people, services for disabled people and leisure services.  She stated that 53% of respondents disagreed with the proposal to ask schools to make budget savings of 1% per year over the next four years.  While 66% of respondents disagreed with the proposal to make savings through reducing day centres or services.  In relation to increasing revenue, 79% of respondents stated that Blue Badge holders should pay for parking, 48% stated Blue Badge holders should pay the same amount as non-Blue Badge holders.  While a further 31% stated that Blue Badge holders should pay a reduced rate.  60% of respondents stated that they would be willing to pay more to access sports facilities, pavilions and parks (10% stated significantly more and 50% stated a small amount more).  48% of respondents stated that the Council should explore the option of charging for shopmobility.  When asked about increased revenue within recycling and waste 53% of respondents were willing to pay an increased charge to £20 for three bulky item collection.  In relation to services most frequently to make cuts, were libraries, arts centres and theatres, sports and recreation services, weed spraying, funding for post-16 transport and separate collection for absorbent hygiene products.   The Interim Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer informed Cabinet that 48% of respondents agreed that nursery provision should be reduced to 15 hours per week in order to make budget savings, while 47% of respondents agreed that funding for post-16 transport should be removed in order to make budget savings.  She stated that 46% of respondents agreed that the bus station should be closed in order to make budget savings. 

The Deputy Leader thanked the staff involved in the consultation and acknowledged the contribution made by residents in responding to the consultation, which had seen 5,288 responses via the various consultation mechanisms.  He commented that the responses from residents are in line with the priorities of the Cabinet and the responses would be considered in shaping the budget proposals.  The Leader commented on the common theme emanating from the consultation, in that residents wish to protect schools and care for older people.  He was pleased to see that the consultation team had engaged pupils in the consultation and he praised pupils for wishing to protect services to those who are in greater need than themselves.        

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties detailed in the consultation report.