0226
The Treasurer updated Members on the 2023/24 Budget following the settlement of the Grey Book Pay Award.
Members were informed of the five changes that had an impact on the budget since the Fire Authority meeting in February. Namely:
i) Grey Book pay award had been settled at 7% for July 2022 and 5% for July 2023.
ii) Green Book offer, which was in excess of the original budgetary provision for April 2023 had been rejected, but the cost of this revised offer has been included.
iii) Retained Business Rate changes.
iv) Distribution of Grants was slightly different.
v) New Dimensions USAR grant amendments.
Members were still disappointed that central government were not providing any financial support for the pay award but it was recognised there was little benefit in trying to lobby government again on this point.
Members were advised that whilst it would not be prudent to rely on the use of reserves to close a budget gap in the long term, the planned use to avoid unnecessarily early service impacts, whilst developing a cost reduction plan, could be seen as a sensible use of reserves.
RESOLVED that the revised budget be approved.