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 Councillor L A Bentley.

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

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor J K Chohan be allowed to substitute for Councillor L A Bentley without prior notice having been given to the Head of Law & Democracy.

Councillor J K Chohan substituted for Councillor L A Bentley.

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 approve the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

It was moved by Councillor G A Boulter, seconded by Councillor K J Loydall, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 June 2023 be taken as read, confirmed and approved.

To read, confirm and note the Action List arising from the previous meeting.

None.

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.

Report of the Head of Finance / Acting Chief Finance Officer / S151 Officer and the Interim Finance Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 7 – 24 of the agenda reports pack), which provided an update following the end of the first quarter on the forecast financial position for the Council for the financial year 2023/24.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The contents of the report and appendices be noted; and

ii)           The additions to the Capital Programme as detailed at paragraph 9.5 be approved.

Report of the Head of Finance / Acting Chief Finance Officer / S151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out at pages 25 – 31 of the agenda reports pack), which consulted Members on the approach to setting the 2024/25 budget and updated Members on the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) position and progress of the Sustainability Programme.

It was proposed by Councillor C S Gore, seconded by Councillor P Joshi, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

Recommendation A be amended to increase the membership of the ‘Star Chambers’ by one, to include a member of the opposition.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The Budget Approach for 2024/25 be agreed and recommended to Council; and

ii)           The updated MTFP budget gaps and the progress on the Sustainability Programme be noted.

Report of the Revenues & Benefits Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 32 – 40 of the agenda reports pack), which presented the Council Tax charges on the Empty Properties Policy (Empty Homes Premium) for approval by the Committee.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor D A Gamble, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The increase in the Empty Homes Premium as detailed in Paragraph 2 be approved;

ii)           A six-month grace period for new purchases of properties which are already subject to the additional premium be approved; and

iii)         The introduction of the Council Tax charges on the Empty Properties Policy (Empty Homes Premium) be approved.

Report of the Strategic Director

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 41 – 89 of the agenda reports pack), which asked Members to note a new People Strategy for 2023 – 2026, which is applicable to all Council staff.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The content of the report be noted;

ii)           The People Strategy 2023 – 2026 be noted; and

iii)         The Action Plan 2023 – 2026 be noted.

Report of the Head of Law & Democracy / Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 90 – 100 of the agenda reports pack), which asked the Committee to note the figures for local determination of complaints and ethical indicators for Q1 2023/24.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The content of the report and appendix be noted.