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.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 283