Agenda and minutes

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2020 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31 December (“Third Quarter 2020/21”).

In response to a query regarding Glossop cemetery, it was confirmed that the business case for the project had been reviewed and the costs were included in the MTFP.

RESOLVED:

That the Third Quarter 2020/21 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 33 of the report be noted.

The Committee considered the proposed Budget for 2021/22, updated Medium Term Financial Plan 2021/22 – 2024/25, Capital Strategy 2021/2, proposed Fees and Charges for 2021/22 and Procurement Forward Plan 2021/22.

Specific reference was made to the adverse impact of the pandemic on the Council’s financial position, both in terms of additional expenditure in dealing with issues, but also in lost income and savings targets that may not be met.  This version of the MTFP had been updated since the version presented in November, but it was stressed that the position is dependent on the continued response to the pandemic and continued recovery.

Reference was made to new and other capital commitments, including the Future High Street Funding Scheme, where the council has received an in-principle award of £6.6M.  Concern was expressed that at this stage, no estimated provision of the council’s contribution to the project had been made in the MTFP.  Members were advised that while specific figures could not be included in the MTFP, the narrative could be expanded and a paper setting out some indicative financial implications was being developed.

Regarding business rates, it was anticipated that further information around any extension to rates relief will be announced on 3 March.

Regarding funding for climate change initiatives, reference was made to funding already in the budget and the Asset Management Working Group would consider the asset management strategy in terms of the climate change aspects and cost options in respect of the HRA business plan.

In response to a query regarding the pensions shortfall, members were advised that the position had improved and it was hoped that the effect of the pandemic maybe rectified over the next 5 year period.

Regarding the projected increase in revenue from an increase in car parking charges, it was clarified that this was subject to review.

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations to Council be supported:

1.    To approve the General Fund Budget for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix A (section 9);

2.    To approve the revised Medium Term Financial Plan (2021/22 to 2024/25) as detailed in Appendix A including the revised Capital Programme (attached at Annex A);

3.    To approve the Capital Strategy 2021/22 as set out in Appendix B;

4.    To approve the updated Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Forecast as detailed in Appendix A (Annex F);

5.    To approve the proposed Fees and Charges for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix C;

6.    To approve the proposed Procurement Forward Plan for 2021/22, providing the authority to procure based on procurement activity detailed in Appendix D;

7.    A Band D Council Tax of £200.40 for 2021/22 (an increase of 2.56% or £5 from 2020/21)

8.    HRA Charges as follows:

a.    Dwellings rents to increase by an average of 1.66% from £71.45 to £72.64 average per week (average rents takes into account new tenancies where formula rent is charged)

b.    Garage rents to be increased by 5% from £7.13 to £7.49 average per week

c.     Other charges including service charges  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20/17

The Committee considered the annual health and safety report as required by the Council’s assurance framework.

Queries were put and responded to around accidents reported from environmental health and democratic services and the council’s policy for dealing with vexatious customers.

The Corporate Health and Safety Advisor was thanked for his work, with particular reference to work around open spaces..

RESOLVED:

That the Health and Safety Annual Report be noted.

The following additions to the March meeting were requested:

·         An update on the Glossop Halls Project – funding and progress

·         An update around the Call Centre Operation

It was noted that there would be a meeting of the Performance Framework Workshop on 15 March.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee Work Programmes be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting as there may be disclosure of exempt information as set out in paragraphs 3 and 7 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2020 be approved as a correct record.