Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor James Flannery, Cabinet Member for Planning, Business Support and Regeneration.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

No declarations were received.

Minutes of the last meeting held on Wednesday, 18 January 2023 attached to be signed as a correct record.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

The Notice of Executive Decisions and Cabinet Forward Plan for the period 1 February 2023 – 31 January 2024 is available on the website.

A copy of the latest version as of the date of the agenda publication is attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

The latest published Cabinet Forward Plan for 1 February – 31 January 2024 be noted.

Report of the Director of Change and Delivery attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.    To approve the three year economic strategy running until 2025.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Strategy and Reform) Councillor Foster, presented a report of the Director of Change and Delivery that sought approval of a three year economic strategy, running until 2025 to deliver a thriving borough with a vibrant, inclusive local economy.

The Leader explained the future vision, objectives, actions and measures for the strategy and provided an outline of the four key priorities that would guide plans. It was also noted the strategy would be a dynamic document in order to adapt to any future changes or challenges.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Cabinet Member for Planning, Business Support and Regeneration and Officers for their work in producing the economic strategy.

The Economic Strategy was well received by members of Cabinet who commented on the accessibility of the document, the detailed evidence base and the references made to community wealth building and Social Value Act.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.     To approve the three year economic strategy running until 2025.

Reason for decision:

To set out clear aims, objectives and actions to develop the economy of South Ribble, as set out in the Corporate Plan.

Other options considered and rejected:

The alternative option considered was to move forward without an economic strategy. However, that would risk not having a plan in place to ensure the local economy is resilient to change and has the potential to grow.

Report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.    To approve the revised capital programme as attached at Appendix A which includes amendments to the programme.

2.    To note the variations of the programme.

3.    To note the position in the Balance Sheet Monitoring section of the report in respect of cash, investment and loan balances and debtors as at 31 December 2022.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Tomlinson presented a report of the Deputy Director of Finance that outlined the financial position of the Council in respect of the capital programme at 31 December 2022. The report also highlighted key issues and explained key variances, providing an overview of various elements of the Council’s Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022.

Councillor Tomlinson advised there was two projects that were currently behind and the projected slippage would be £10.76million, reassurance was given that the Jubilee Garden and Leyland Town Deal Projects would be completed. The authority still had no borrowing and this was projected to remain nil at the end of 2023.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.     To approve the revised capital programme as attached at Appendix A which includes amendments to the programme.

2.     To note the variations of the programme.

3.     To note the position in the Balance Sheet Monitoring section of the report in respect of cash, investment and loan balances and debtors as at 31 December 2022.

Reasons for decision:

To ensure the Council’s capital programme is monitored effectively.

Other options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered.

Report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.    To note the forecast outturn for revenue and the level of reserves based on the position as at 31 December 2022.

2.    To note the virements made to and from the revenue budget during the year.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson presented a report of the Director of Finance that set out the revenue and reserves forecast for 2022/23 for the Council, based on the position as at 31 December 2022.

Councillor Tomlinson explained at the end of Quarter 2 there was a projected overspend of £250,000 mainly due to the wage increase but this overspend had now reduced to £98,000.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

1.     To note the forecast outturn for revenue and the level of reserves based on the position as at 31 December 2022.

2.     To note the virements made to and from the revenue budget during the year.

Reasons for decision:

To ensure the Council’s budgetary targets are achieved.

Other options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered.

Report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That Member’s agree;

·         A proposed freeze in council tax in 2023/24 with no proposed cuts to services;

·         A forecast balanced budget for 2023/24, based on a freeze in council tax as noted above;

·         A forecast budget shortfall for 2024/25 which will continue into 2025/26, to be addressed through the development and delivery of the council’s Transformation Strategy and savings programme;

·         To note the proposals in the report for investment in the Administration’s priority areas.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson presented a report of the Director of Finance that set out the draft budget position for the Council for 2023/24 and the forecast for 2024/25, reflecting the information contained within the Local Government Financial Settlement announced on 7 February 2023.

Councillor Tomlinson presented the budget and explained that it was balanced and would continue to provide excellent services for residents. Although the Council had been impacted by inflation there would be a freeze to council tax and no cuts to services. The longer term future would be challenging but the authority had a track record of responding to economic pressures and would do so again.

The Leader of the Council commended the report and highlighted the successes of the administration, the Leader also thanked colleagues in the Liberal Democrat Group who had provided their support over the last four years.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That Member’s agree;

·       A proposed freeze in council tax in 2023/24 with no proposed cuts to services;

·       A forecast balanced budget for 2023/24, based on a freeze in council tax as noted above;

·       A forecast budget shortfall for 2024/25 which will continue into 2025/26, to be addressed through the development and delivery of the council’s Transformation Strategy and savings programme;

·       To note the proposals in the report for investment in the Administration’s priority areas.

Reasons for decision:

The Council wishes to set out its budget proposals.

Other options considered and rejected:

None, this is the draft budget and alternative budgets may be considered as part of the final budget proposal.