Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day on Thursday 18 June 2026 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 23 June 2026 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 10 June 2026 [10 working days before the meeting].
Decision:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that one statement had been submitted in relation to Minute No. 15 (Financial Outturn 2025/26), Minute No. 16 (Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update) and Minute No. 17 (Corporate Performance Report – Q4)
Public Statement from Philip Gatrell read by Democratic Services
The multi dimensional reports and projections today underscore the cost of local authority operations in a harsh economic environment and the impact on our community.
For example, the cost of improving previously failing Children's Services requires significantly increased expenditure which - more recently - has yielded an OFSTED “Good Provider” rating.
It is timely therefore to acknowledge Cathi Hadley’s positive input as a trouble shooting Service Director in that role.
All will wish Ms Hadley well for the future when moving from the Council. Her successor in the currently advertised opportunity will doubtless continue the good work.
An objective analysis of multifarious components comprising the financial data highlights the broader scope of challenges including capital investment constraints.
The liquidity test would not be overlooked; where the Council’s draft 2025/26 Accounts show worsening year end net “overdrawn” bank and cash balances of £(5,537,000) after £5,000,000 short term investments.
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that one statement had been submitted in relation to Minute No. 15 (Financial Outturn 2025/26), Minute No. 16 (Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update) and Minute No. 17 (Corporate Performance Report – Q4)
Public Statement from Philip Gatrell read by Democratic Services
The multi dimensional reports and projections today underscore the cost of local authority operations in a harsh economic environment and the impact on our community.
For example, the cost of improving previously failing Children's Services requires significantly increased expenditure which - more recently - has yielded an OFSTED “Good Provider” rating.
It is timely therefore to acknowledge Cathi Hadley’s positive input as a trouble shooting Service Director in that role.
All will wish Ms Hadley well for the future when moving from the Council. Her successor in the currently advertised opportunity will doubtless continue the good work.
An objective analysis of multifarious components comprising the financial data highlights the broader scope of challenges including capital investment constraints.
The liquidity test would not be overlooked; where the Council’s draft 2025/26 Accounts show worsening year end net “overdrawn” bank and cash balances of £(5,537,000) after £5,000,000 short term investments.