Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report. 

RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended:

1.     That the changes to the base budget along with the assumptions and approach set out throughout the report be approved.

2.     That the responses to the budget consultation be approved.

3.     That the rolling forward of the capital programme including additional gross funding of £2,140,500 for new schemes list within the report be approved; and

4.     That an increase in the Basic Amount of Council Tax of £5 per annum for a Band D property be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To deliver a sustainable budget to deliver the Council’s key objectives.

Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       It was noted that the Council had moved to a point where the deficit was now reducing. 

-       It was right that the Council had focused its attention on its residents and businesses throughout the pandemic.

-       Going forward the Council was adopting a strategy that focused on looking at possible income streams. This included the possible letting out of the Town Hall for co-working.

-       It would be important for the Council to continue to investigate opportunities to reduce costs and ensure efficiencies were made.

RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended:

1.    That the changes to the base budget along with the assumptions and approach set out throughout the report be approved.

2.    That the responses to the budget consultation be approved.

3.    That the rolling forward of the capital programme including additional gross funding of £2,140,500 for new schemes list within the report be approved; and

4.    That an increase in the Basic Amount of Council Tax of £5 per annum for a Band D property be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To deliver a sustainable budget to deliver the Council’s key objectives.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the report.

Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       Government support had been a significant factor in determining the level of deficit the Council faced. Last year the Council had forecast a deficit, however Government had provided sufficient funds that meant the Council ended the year with a small surplus.

-       The shortfall for this year that would have been met by using reserves had been halved, again due to support provided by Central Government.

-       The Local Government Finance Settlement was received late and was only for one year.  The new Secretary of State made clear that this would be the final year of having a single year settlement, in future Government would provide a multi-year settlement.

-       A multi-year settlement would provide some certainty of Government funding that would allow for better medium term stability.

-       Discussions with the Portfolio holder took place every fortnight and covered updates on local finances, any emerging legislation and technical guidance received from Government. 

-       The level of changes required would be quite fundamental.  Given that the settlement was published  late, only for one year and with only a few months’ notice, it would not be prudent to make fundamental decisions for the medium/longer term without some certainty of what the Council might expect to receive from Government and a timescale that would allow proper discussion and consultation.

-       One of the main focuses had been the arrangements for co-working at the Town Hall.  It was hoped this would raise significant income and a share in expenses in running the Town Hall.  This should allow the Council to remain at the Town Hall for the foreseeable future.  Further details would be available over the next few months. 

-       Appendix A of the report set out the Council’s projections over the next 6 years.  These had been updated to reflect Government funding.  In addition Cabinet had agreed for the Grounds Maintenance contract to be extended where previously £500k had been allowed as an additional cost if the contract had gone back out to market.  The cost for the extension was lower.  Overall, the deficit for future years was lower but there remained an issue still to be resolved because the level of income was not sufficient to sustain the current range of services the Council provided.

-       The budget for next year assumed the garden waste services was fully operational and the income budgeted would be received.

-       The budget did not include any details associated with the letting out of the Town Hall as no decision had yet been taken.  However, if it was approved, it would improve projections as it would provide an income stream to the Council whilst also reducing operational and running costs

-       The Labour Group rejected the budget, their reasons included:

o   The Council Tax Support Grant should be reassessed with the aim to provide an uplift to help those hardest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69