‘Wokingham Borough Council has been under increasing financial pressure due to continued underfunding by the government over more than 20 years. High inflation, high interest rates, and increasing demand for statutory services have made the pressure worse.
In order to ensure that we make the best use of finite resources, that services are as sustainable as possible for the future, and that the most vulnerable in our community are protected, this council endorses an approach to decision-making by the Executive that is based on:
- recognising our responsibility to act in the interests of the community and the climate
- operating as one organisation
- practicing fiscal responsibility
- seeking to maximise income from external sources such as grants
- working constructively with partner organisations of all kinds
- pursuing a collective vision for the area, formed with the community
- taking into account the needs of less well-off and vulnerable residents
- planning for the long term
- making decisions that are informed by evidence
- maintaining good quality prevention and early help services -
- providing efficient and effective access to services and information for residents
- observing the principles of openness and transparency
- welcoming internal overview and scrutiny, enabling all councillors to contribute.’
Statement from the Chief Finance Officer:
There are no direct financial implications in supporting this motion.
The Chief Finance Officer comments are purely an assessment of the Financial Implications associated with the Motion as written and are not an opinion on the policy direction or intention contained within them.
Minutes:
Council considered the following Motion, submitted by Councillor Prue Bray and seconded by Councillor Stephen Conway.
‘Wokingham Borough Council has been under increasing financial pressure due to continued underfunding by the government over more than 20 years. High inflation, high interest rates, and increasing demand for statutory services have made the pressure worse.
In order to ensure that we make the best use of finite resources, that services are as sustainable as possible for the future, and that the most vulnerable in our community are protected, this council endorses an approach to decision-making by the Executive that is based on:
- recognising our responsibility to act in the interests of the community and the climate
- operating as one organisation
- practicing fiscal responsibility
- seeking to maximise income from external sources such as grants
- working constructively with partner organisations of all kinds
- pursuing a collective vision for the area, formed with the community
- taking into account the needs of less well-off and vulnerable residents
- planning for the long term
- making decisions that are informed by evidence
- maintaining good quality prevention and early help services -
- providing efficient and effective access to services and information for residents
- observing the principles of openness and transparency
- welcoming internal overview and scrutiny, enabling all councillors to contribute.’
Councillor Andy Croy commented that there was much to commend in the Motion. However, he expressed concern regarding – ‘welcoming internal overview and scrutiny, enabling all councillors to contribute’ and felt that this did not fully represent actual practice. He emphasised that Overview and Scrutiny did not receive the proposals around moving the Council from the Shute End offices until after a decision had already been taken by the Executive.
A number of Members spoke in support of the approach set out in the Motion.
At this point in the meeting, in line with 4.2.13.12, Councillor Pauline Helliar Symons proposed that the question be put and to move to the vote. This was seconded by Councillor Peter Harper. Upon being put to the vote the Mayor declared the proposal to be lost.
Members continued to debate the Motion.
Upon being put to the vote it was agreed that:
RESOLVED: That Wokingham Borough Council has been under increasing financial pressure due to continued underfunding by the government over more than 20 years. High inflation, high interest rates, and increasing demand for statutory services have made the pressure worse.
In order to ensure that we make the best use of finite resources, that services are as sustainable as possible for the future, and that the most vulnerable in our community are protected, this council endorses an approach to decision-making by the Executive that is based on:
- recognising our responsibility to act in the interests of the community and the climate
- operating as one organisation
- practicing fiscal responsibility
- seeking to maximise income from external sources such as grants
- working constructively with partner organisations of all kinds
- pursuing a collective vision for the area, formed with the community
- taking into account the needs of less well-off and vulnerable residents
- planning for the long term
- making decisions that are informed by evidence
- maintaining good quality prevention and early help services -
- providing efficient and effective access to services and information for residents
- observing the principles of openness and transparency
- welcoming internal overview and scrutiny, enabling all councillors to contribute