Agenda, decisions and minutes

Budget Meeting, Cabinet - Wednesday, 9th February, 2022 6.00 pm

Venue: Shield Room, Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH

Contact: Clare Gornall Email: clare.gornall@southribble.gov.uk

Media

Items
No.	Item
87.	Apologies for Absence Minutes: There were none.
88.	Minutes of the Last Meeting PDF 328 KB View item 88. as DOC 194 KB Minutes of the last meeting held on 19 January 2022 attached to be signed as a correct record. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 19 January 2022 were presented for information. The Leader referred to the actions arising from Minute 77. He confirmed that Councillor Ogilvie had received a update from Councillor Bylinski Gelder in relation to the Youth Council. He also referred to the information requested by Councillor Walton regarding urgent decisions, which had now been collated and would be provided as soon as possible. Decision made (unanimously):- That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 19 January 2022 be approved as a correct record.
89.	Declarations of Interest 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. Minutes: There were none.
90.	Notice of Executive Decisions / Cabinet Forward Plan PDF 429 KB View item 90. as DOC 294 KB The Notice of Executive Decisions / Cabinet Forward Plan for the period 1 February 2022 – 31January 2023 is available on the Council’s website. A copy of the latest Plan, as of the date of the publication of this agenda, is attached. Minutes: Decision made (unanimously):- That the Notice of Executive Decisions / Cabinet Forward Plan for the period 1 February 2022 – 31 January 2023 be noted.
91.	Draft Budget 2022/23 and Summary Position over the Medium Term PDF 506 KB View item 91. as DOCX 447 KB View the background to item 91. View the decision for item 91. Report of the Director of Finance and S151 officer attached. Additional documents: Scrutiny Recommendations on Draft Budget , item 91. PDF 54 KB Decision: Decision made 1. That Cabinet agrees the contents of this report and notes the following proposed budget items, in particular: · A proposed 1.99% increase in council tax in 2022/23 with no proposed cuts to services · The forecast balanced budget for 2022/23 and the forecast budget position in 2023/24 and 2024/25 · To note the proposals in the report for investment in the Administration’s priority areas 2. That Cabinet supports and accepts the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Committee on 8 February 2022. Minutes: The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets) presented a report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 officer setting out the budget position for 2022/23 including the forecast for the following 2 years to 2024/25 and also to present the relevant proposals in respect of: · The use of forecast resources identified for 2022/23 · Budget consultation The Cabinet also considered the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee on the Draft Budget 2022/23 at its meeting on 8 February 2022, which were: The Scrutiny Committee: 1. thanks the Cabinet Member and Director for their detailed report and answering questions; 2. supports the Cabinet Member’s wish to consult earlier in future years; 3. asks that the report be updated to clarify that the Community Conversations were not aimed at supporting positive mental health in young people as confirmed at a previous meeting; 4. requests that the refurbishment of Margaret Road Playground planned for 2023/2024 be included in the report; 5. asks that a breakdown of the different funding streams for the £3.1M allocated for affordable housing be provided; 6. welcomes the offer of information on the Council’s role in promoting apprenticeships with businesses and acting as an exemplar be provided to all councillors. The Leader of the Council thanked their supply and confidence partners, Councillor Howarth and the Liberal Democrat Group, for their collaborative working on the draft budget. Councillor Bylinkski Gelder particularly highlighted the Sports and Community Funding and said that it was expected that this would be allocated around the borough in March/April. She encouraged Community Hubs to start considering how best the funding could be used. Decision made 1. That Cabinet agrees the contents of this report and notes the following proposed budget items, in particular: · A proposed 1.99% increase in council tax in 2022/23 with no proposed cuts to services · The forecast balanced budget for 2022/23 and the forecast budget position in 2023/24 and 2024/25 · To note the proposals in the report for investment in the Administration’s priority areas 2. That Cabinet supports and accepts the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Committee on 8 February 2022. Reasons for decision The Cabinet set out its budget proposals for 2022/23. The report detailed the Administration’s ambitious proposals to continue investment of both revenue and capital, to develop and deliver in their priority areas whilst maintaining a balanced budget over the medium term. The budget forecast over the next three years has been updated as follows: · Last year, the council was able to freeze council tax. Unfortunately, due to the continued pressures on council expenditure budgets, combined with the reduction in Government funding provided to the council over the last 10 years, a council tax increase of 1.99% is proposed in 2022/23; · The figures include an assumption that council tax will increase by 1.99% in 2023/24 and 2024/25; this assumption will be revisited every year and will be dependent on the outcome of future Government funding announcements; · Continued investment is reflected in ongoing revenue budgets to ensure delivery of corporate strategy ... view the full minutes text for item 91.
92.	Review of Council Tax Support Scheme PDF 198 KB View item 92. as DOCX 58 KB View the background to item 92. View the decision for item 92. Report of the Director of Customer and Digital attached. Decision: Decision made That Cabinet recommends the following revisions to the Council Tax Support Scheme to Council: a. Removal of the baseline Council Tax charge of £3.50 per week for working age claimants in receipt of: o Universal Credit and some level of earnings or non-disregarded other income o Other low-income groups not receiving Universal Credit nor a passported benefit b. The revised scheme is approved with effect from 1 April 2022. Minutes: The Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building) presented a report of the Director of Customer and Digital setting out proposals to change the South Ribble Council Tax Support Scheme from 1 April 2022. Decision made That Cabinet recommends the following revisions to the Council Tax Support Scheme to Council: a. Removal of the baseline Council Tax charge of £3.50 per week for working age claimants in receipt of: o Universal Credit and some level of earnings or non-disregarded other income o Other low-income groups not receiving Universal Credit nor a passported benefit b. The revised scheme is approved with effect from 1 April 2022. Reasons for decision The revised scheme is fairer and simpler for residents, and it is also more focused to support the households most in need. Other options considered and rejected None, for the reasons given above.