Issue - meetings

This report provides details of the Cabinet’s proposals for the capital and revenue budgets for 2017/18.  In accordance with the Constitution, Council is required to approve the capital and revenue budgets, rent increases and council tax for 2017/18.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the capital and revenue budget proposals for

2017/2018.

The Cabinet had considered initial budget proposals on 22 November 2016,

which had been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the

Medium Term Financial Plan. In accordance with the budget and policy

framework rules within the Constitution the Overview and Scrutiny Committees had then considered the Cabinet’s proposals prior to Cabinet’s consideration of the draft budget on 7 February 2017.

It was noted that an overarching Diversity Impact Assessment, as set out in

Appendix 10 to the report, summarised the results of the Diversity Impact

Assessments which had been completed for each of the services affected by

the proposed budget changes.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Deputy Leader

and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe,

proposed the recommendations in the report, together with the following additional proposals:

·         £160,000 for the Battle of Medway to be funded from an additional £100,000 crematorium income and £60,000 from Children’s Centre savings

·         £55,000 for an increase in Ward Improvement Funds to £2,000 per member to be funded from further savings from Children’s Centres

·         £45,000 for environmental works at Rochester Airport Technology Park to be funded from capital in the South Medway Development Fund

·         £50,000 Strand Play Area to be funded from Section 106 payments

·         Remove officer delegation to vary or negate parking charges, which henceforth can only be varied in agreement with the Portfolio Holders for Finance and Frontline Services.

The Leader noted that the only one of the above mentioned proposals that involved recurring expenditure was in relation to the increase in the Ward Improvement Funds.

Following advice from the Chief Executive, and with the consent of the meeting, the Leader accepted the following revised wording with regard to his proposal to amend the officer delegation scheme as permitted by Council Rule 11.4.2:

“Amend the Director of Regeneration, Culture, Environment and Transformation’s delegation set out in paragraph 8.12 of Chapter 3 of the Constitution (Employee Delegation Scheme) so that any variation is in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services.

In accordance with rule 12.5 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the

proposal was taken.

For: Councillors Aldous, Bhutia, Brake, Carr, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers OBE, Chisti, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, Fearn, Filmer, Franklin, Griffin, Gulvin, Hall, Hicks, Howard, Mrs Josie Iles, Steve Iles, Jarrett, Joy, Kemp, Mackness, The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Opara, Potter, Purdy, Saroy, Tejan, Tolhurst, The Worshipful The  Mayor of Medway, Councillor Tranter, Turpin, Wicks, Wildey and Williams. (35)

Against: Councillors Bowler, Cooper, Freshwater, Gilry, Godwin, Griffiths, Johnson, Khan, Maple, McDonald, Murray, Osborne, Pendergast, Price, and Stamp. (15)

There were no abstentions.

The proposal was declared carried.

Decision:

a)    The Council approved the recommendations of Employment Matters Committee on 1 February 2017 regarding the proposals for a pay award, as set out at paragraph 4.5 of the report;

b)    The Council approved the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 771

Background:

This report presented proposals for the capital and revenue budgets for 2017/2018.

It was noted that the Cabinet had considered initial budget proposals on 22 November 2016, which had been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan which had identified a potential revenue shortfall of some £11.7m for 2017/2018.

The report stated that local authorities such as Medway would also be able to continue to apply the social care precept. However such local authorities would now be able to increase Council Tax by up to an additional 3.0% per annum in 2017/18 and 2018/19.  Local authorities that took advantage of this further flexibility would not be able make a further increase in 2019/20, as the total allowable increase over the three-year period would remain at 6.0%.  The budget proposed by Cabinet would be based upon the Council availing itself of this additional flexibility and raising Council Tax by 4.994% in 2017/18.

The report stated that the proposed revenue budget requirement of £293.044m (as set out in Appendix 2 to the report) exceeded the estimated available resources by £958,400. However, options were being considered to address this prior to the Council’s budget setting meeting on 23 February 2017. 

The proposed capital programme for 2017/2018, incorporating existing schemes and anticipated funding allocations, was £74.621m. An overall summary and a summary by directorate of the proposed capital programme were attached at Appendix 4 to the report.

It was noted that budget proposals had been referred to all the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for consideration. The Overview and Scrutiny Committees’ views together with the recommendations of the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee set out for Cabinet in an addendum report.

The schedule of fees and charges was set out in Appendix 6 to the report.

The report set out the requirements under equality legislation and it was noted that an overarching Diversity Impact Assessment would be included in the budget report to Full Council on 23 February 2017.

Reasons:

The constitution requires  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8