Issue - meetings

The report will be published later in the week.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the item. He stated that he was happy to hear from the Panel regarding the proposals and where they think the risks might sit.

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hounsell asked whether closing recycling centres would increase cross?district travel. The Cabinet Member stated that this was under consideration and no final decision had been made. He stated that we are well provided for in terms of recycling centres.

Councillor Wait asked whether Keynsham would ever be the only site open. The Cabinet Member confirmed it would not.

Councillor Walker asked if recycling vehicles would be able to take more items. The Cabinet Member explained that kerbside recycling vehicles already take a range of items including small electrical items.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether changes to waste rounds would reduce resilience. The Cabinet Member confirmed that there would be no reduction in service.

Councillor Walker asked about the removal of one off growth funding – the officer explained that this referred to enforcement cameras which are in place; a time limited piece of work regarding the car club and extra support for supported bus routes. Also School Streets go live after Easter so the funding for the set up is no longer needed.

Councillor Wait asked about the number of School Streets, the officer confirmed that Lime Gardens/Charmouth Road is included.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether enforcement officers could use e?bikes.

Officers explained that current ANPR technology is not compatible with e?bike deployment.

Councillor Heijltjes asked how Park & Ride charges would be enforced. The officer said improved ticketing and monitoring systems were being explored.

Councillor Jackson stated that there is an ambition to have a hospital flyer from Oddown to the RUH, the bus service (number 4) is extremely erratic. She asked if the budget provides for more information to be publicised about bus services which may encourage more people to use them. She stated that buses used to get fined for cancelling services. It was explained that many bus services are run by WECA and that advertising services is being discussed at the next WECA meeting.

Councillor Jackson asked if there had been any investigation into the effect of parking charges in North East Somerset on small businesses. The officer stated that it is nationally recognised that well managed parking facilities encourage turn over. There has been no dedicated work on the impact on small businesses, but we will continue to monitor.

Councillor Walker asked if there is a quicker system for reporting parking enforcement issues. The officer explained that the direct email should be timely. It is then put on a patrol list and the area will be visited.

Councillor Heijltjes asked about the CAZ (Clean Air Zone) deficit. The officer explained that the number of contravening vehicles is declining. The Cabinet Member confirmed that this will become less profitable as it becomes more successful.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189

This report will present the draft revenue budgets together with proposals for increases in Council Tax and the Adult Social Care Precept for 2026/27.

The Executive Director – People introduced the report to the Panel and highlighted the following points.

·  The Council’s 2026/27 Budget and Council Tax proposal will be considered by Cabinet on 12th February 2026 and presented to Council for approval on 24th February 2026.

·  To deliver a balanced budget in 2026/27 savings and income generation plans total £7.49m, with income and savings to find of £32.05m in the following four years covering 2027/28 to 2030/21. The Council has a good track record of delivering proposed savings, in relation to the Cabinet Portfolio’s being Scrutinised by this Panel there are savings and income generation plans of £3.20m.

·  The proposals for savings and income generation for this Panel’s attention are outlined in Annex 1. Growth and pressures to bring to this Panel’s attention are outlined in Annex 2.

He stated that it has been a tough process so far as both services are demand led. He said that the Council was committed to maintaining delivery of its high standard services.

He explained that the public consultation on the current budget proposals was to conclude later in the day.

Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services said that the Liberal Democrat administration has a history of committing investment into Adult Social Care whilst also seeking potential savings where possible.

She confirmed that contract inflation (£2.6m) and funding of demographic growth (£2m) would form part of the Adult Social Care budget for 2026/27.

She reminded the Panel that Adult Social Care accounts for the largest proportion of the Council’s budget and that they continue to be committed to delivering quality services that are also value for money.

Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services stated that the pressure on the service currently was enormous as demand continues to outstrip resources. He said that he was proud of the support that the Liberal Democrat administration has given to the service over many years.

He explained that the finance of the service is monitored every two weeks and that very good quality of services are in place.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the increase in family reunifications and step down from residential placements had been achieved for the current year as this was a highlighted area also for this proposed incoming budget.

The Director of Children's Services & Education replied that the figures for 2025/26 had already been achieved and was based on 10 children being able to return to their homes. She added that this outcome has resulted in achieving a saving of around £500,000 in this financial year.

Councillor Hardman asked if in order to achieve the £300,000 saving associated with transitions into Adult Social Care a dedicated team was required to be recruited.

The Assistant Director for Operations & Safeguarding replied that there is already a transitions team in place within Adult Social Care and that they seek to begin conversations with young people about this process from the age of 16 onwards.

She added that part of this proposal will look at whether  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82