Agenda and minutes

None.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 January 2021 be approved as a correct record. 

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 of interest were received.

The Mayor gave an update on recent interviews she had undertaken and also on ‘Story Time with the Mayor’.

To receive and consider the report of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 10 February attached.

Members received a general report of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 10 February 2021.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Executive Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, and subsequently

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Scrutiny Committee held on Monday, 8 February attached.

Members received a general report of the Scrutiny Committee meeting held on Monday, 8 February 2021.

It was proposed by the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor David Howarth, seconded by the Vice-Chair Councillor Michael Green, and subsequently

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the report be noted.

Councillor Carol Chisholm to be appointed to the Conservative Group vacancy on the Appeals Committee.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Executive Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, and subsequently

Resolved: (Unanimously) that

1.         Councillor Carol Chisholm be appointed to the Conservative Group vacancy on the Appeals Committee

2.         Councillor James Flannery to be the council’s representative on the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership Joint Scrutiny Committee.

To seek approval to recommendations from the Executive contained in the attached report of the Chief Finance Officer (Introduced by the Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets)) and within the appendices listed below.

The Mayor advised that one vote will cover the Budget, Council Tax setting and all other issues covered within the report and appendices.

The Executive Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented the Cabinet’s General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax 2021/22.

Councillor Tomlinson thanked the Labour and Liberal Democratic Groups and officers for their hard work and input into the proposed budget.  He thanked all the staff working for the council for their contributions in delivering services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Tomlinson referred to the achievements of the council since the administration took control and the plans within the Corporate Strategy which will be delivered by the proposed budget, including a freeze on council tax in 2021/22.

There continues to be uncertainty regarding the council’s funding streams with the government announcing a one-year financial settlement for 2021/22 rather than the expected multi-year settlement.  There are also anticipated changes to the Business Rate Retention system and reforms to the New Homes Bonus. 

Funding to the council is forecast to fall from over £14m in 2016/17 to £12m by 2023/24.  However, the council is ambitious in its approach to meeting the budget deficit through generating efficiency savings, such as those already realised through shared services and additional income generated through investments within the borough. 

14 priority projects are being proposed for delivery over the next 12-18 months that will directly support delivery of long-term outcomes.  The proposed budget also includes additional investments including planned improvements to community facilities, support to businesses and young people during the recovery from Covid-19.  The outcome of the Leyland Town Deal is awaited

The Corporate Strategy identifies key priorities as a council which are: -

Thriving communities

·                £117,000 to create a network of community hubs, providing services & support that meet the needs of local neighbourhoods

·                £60,000 to support vulnerable families and children by providing access to food during the school holidays over the next four years

·                £50,000 to support access to advice services and information by working in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau

Looking ahead:

·                £500,000 over the next two years to deliver a programme of improvements to community facilities to provide quality amenities for residents, encouraging positive mental and physical health as part of an active community

·                £50,000 to support positive mental health for young people through officer resource to deliver a programme of early intervention activity

A fair local economy that works for everyone

·                £150,000 to deliver an extended programme of support for businesses beyond government grants to ensure that the council is doing as much as possible to help businesses get back on their feet

·                £150,000 to implement a plan to retain wealth and grow the local economy through a progressive procurement framework and social value policies

An exemplary council

·                £20,000 to provide a fund for technology and equipment to support children to access remote learning where there is a need

·                £150,000 to develop a Credit Union that will enable access to safe and ethical banking options  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

No questions were received.

Questions for the Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing) - Councillor Mick Titherington

No questions were received.

Questions for the Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building) - Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder

No questions were received.

Questions for the Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets) - Councillor Matthew Tomlinson

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, asked if the Cabinet Member was aware of the reason why the Conservative group had abstained on the substantive motion for the Council Tax item.  In response, the Cabinet Member acknowledged the Conservative Group had not supported the proposals from the administration.

Councillor Alan Ogilvie asked if the signage within Worden Park could be reviewed in light of groups congregating.  The Cabinet Member agreed to this request and noted that the Council are working with the Police on this issue. 

Councillor Michael Green requested clarification regarding digital exclusion and whether Moss Side was included within the scheme.  The Cabinet Member advised that there had been no criticism of Moss Side and that schools in the most deprived areas had been the focus of the scheme, but noted that schools are not ward specific. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Margaret Smith noted that she was unable to support the budget proposals made by the administration.

Questions for the Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration) - Councillor Bill Evans

No questions were received.