Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillors Mrs L M Broadley, M L Darr, R F Eaton, Mrs L Eaton JP and D A Gamble.

It was moved by J W Boyce, seconded by K J Loydall JP and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor Mrs L Kaufman assume the role  Vice-Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

None.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

None.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 November 2019 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule(s) 11 and 12 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Petitions Procedure Rules respectively.

None.

The Action List arising from the previous meeting on 26 November 2019 will be considered at the next standard quarterly-reporting meeting on 10 March 2020.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Action List arising from the previous meeting on 26 November 2019 be deferred for consideration at the next standard quarterly-reporting meeting on 10 March 2020.

In accordance with Rule 6.3 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Chair moved for the order of business to be altered and taken in the order as reflected in the minutes.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The order of business be altered and taken accordingly.

Report of the Financial Services Manager

The Committee gave consideration  to the report and appendices (as set out on pages 105 - 113 of the agenda reports pack) which asked it to note the overall Council position for the financial year 2019/20 at the end of the third quarter for both Revenue and Capital expenditure.

The Committee requested that a report on absence management be provided to a future meeting of an appropriate Committee, in particular with a focus on sickness rates for Depot based staff.

It was moved by Councillor J Kaufman, seconded by the Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report be noted.

Report of the Chief Finance Officer / Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out on pages 5 - 104 of the agenda reports pack) which asked it to recommend to Full Council the draft Budget 2020/21 (including approval of Council Tax) and Medium Term Financial Strategy (2021/22 to 2024/25).

The Committee requested that further consideration at a future Committee be given to the proposal to generate savings from moving to a digital-only version of Letterbox, citing concerns that certain groups of residents in the Borough rely upon receiving a hard copy of the publication for information about Council services and consultations.

The Committee also requested that an update be provided to a future meeting of Service Delivery Committee on the progress that has been made since the cleaning contract was brought back in house.

An amendment was moved by Councillor K J Loydall JP and seconded by Councillor G A Boulter, proposing that in respect of recommendation A, the words “and to develop options on the Council’s housing stock” be deleted.

The amendment was put to the vote and was carried.

Votes For                  9

Votes Against          1

Abstentions             0

The recommendations (as amended) were then put to the vote en bloc and it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)       Members recommend to Full Council:

·           the savings, income and growth proposals (para 3.1 – 3.7);

·           the Consolidated 2020/21 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (2020/21 to 2024/25); including a 2020/21 Council Tax of £229.50 (Band D equivalent; reflecting an increase of £5) (para 3.8 – 3.11, and Table 6 & 7);

·           The Revenue Reserves position and the use of Reserves to meet the estimated budget deficit of £100,951. (section 4, and Table 8);

·           The Capital Programme for 2020/21 (and 2021/22 to 2024/25) for both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (section 5);

·           The Housing Revenue Account, including:

o    2020/21 rent increase of 2.7%, giving an average weekly rent of £77.44; and

o    other 2020/21 specific charges increase of 2.7% (section 6)

·           The Fees & Charges for 2020/21 (section 7);

·           The Treasury Management Strategy and other related Treasury plans, strategies and statements (section 8);

·           The development of a Commercial Investment Strategy, that will include the potential to acquire and dispose of assets within a commercial operating environment. Such commercial activity may include commercial property and Private Rented Sector (residential) property both inside and outside of the Borough boundary.

(ii)     That Members note the work to date on the redevelopment of the Bushloe House site and the relocation of the Council’s Civic and Administrative Offices to the Depot (para 3.4); and

(iii)   That Members note the commentary given by the Chief Financial Officer in respect of the Robustness of the 2020/21 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (section 9).