To inform Cabinet of the outcome of the ‘Shaping Bridgend’s Future’ 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.

The Head of Finance and S151 Officer submitted a report, that informed Cabinet of the outcome of the ‘Shaping Bridgend’s Future’ 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. The report provided an overview of the budget consultation activities, analysis and key findings.

The report gave some background information, and advised that respondents were asked, using budget sliders and preference selectors, to share their views on 15 key budget proposals being considered between 2017-18 and 2020-21, examples of which were detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

Paragraphs 3.4 to 3.7 of the report, described the manner within which the consultation exercise was promoted and marketed, and the Head of Finance and S151 Officer was pleased to advise that engagement with constituents had improved year on year in terms of the number of responses.

Appendix 1 to the report contained the Consultation Report and this detailed the full responses and views expressed by those who participated in the exercise. Page 65 of this document contained a summary of the responses, while paragraph 4.3 of the report categorised these, for example through social media and other various methods and ways of engaging with the public. Paragraph 4.4 of the report, detailed the range of different responses that were received on the consultation. The responses also reflected that these were low with regard to members of the public under the age of 18 and within the age range of 18 – 24.

The Deputy Leader advised that he welcomed the responses, which had increased by 700 when compared to the number received in respect of the consultation last year. He added also that BCBC were one of the top Authorities in Wales when it came to engaging with the public on proposals contained within the MTFS, and that a large number of the Council’s proposals in respect of its Budget respondents had agreed with.

He further added that in the face of increased automating of Council services, the Authority would still enable face to face dialogue where this was preferred.

The Deputy Leader concluded, by advising that the responses received were being closely examined in line with the proposals of the MTFS.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help, confirmed that he was pleased to see that there was some significant support from constituents with regard to services being provided by the likes of Social Enterprises and Charitable Trusts on behalf of the Authority, in order to maintain and improve the provision of services such as libraries and recreation facilities that encouraged healthy living.

The Leader asked if there was scope for constituents to make a saving by, for example, paying their Council Tax or Refuse bills on-line. He was aware that this would probably not be possible for statutory services but may be for those designated as non-statutory.

The Head of Finance and S151 Officer advised that he would look into this, and come back to the Leader outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED:                            That Cabinet noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the Consultation Report attached at Appendix 1 to the covering report.