Decision details

This report seeks to align the aims of the new administration by making some in-year budget revisions that will; reduce expenditure, increase income and provide a mandate for generating capital receipts to reduce the planned use of council reserves during 2022/23 and establish a Community Support Fund.

RESOLVED –

1. That the in-year budget revisions and the direction of travel in setting the budget 2023/24 with the aim of rebalancing the council’s finances over the medium-term be approved.
2. That the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance be given delegated authority to commence listing, for potential disposal or lease, of the following surplus assets, Mount Pleasant Avenue Car Park, Great Hall Yard Car Park, the Gateway and Land at Warwick Park be approved.
3. That authority be delegated to the Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Rural Communities (Deputy Leader) to produce Terms of Reference for a Community Support Fund be approved.
4. That the virement of £2.5m from the Town hall conversion budget to the Asset Acquisition budget to further the economic development of the town centre through the acquisition and/or redevelopment of property be approved.  And that delegated authority be given to the Director of Finance, Property and Development to negotiate and agreed terms to entre into contracts utilising this budget in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Cabinet Members for Finance and Performance and Tunbridge Wells Town Centre and Local Areas be approved. 
5. That delegated authority be given to the head of Legal Partnership to negotiate and complete all necessary agreements, deeds and documents arising or ancillary to the purchases and/or refurbishments on terms negotiated and agreed be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To deliver a sustainable budget that would address and rebalance the Council’s finances over the medium term.