Agenda and minutes

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

None

None

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2023 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered a report which provided information of the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31 March (“Fourth Quarter 2022/2023”).

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Corporate Services set out a summary of the position as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report. 

In response to a query around the underspend, members were advised that this was due to the high inflation impact not yet been seen on the General Fund.  The underspend will be placed in reserves and detail around the earmarking of reserves to respond to future pressures will be set out in the Q1 report.

Regarding the AES savings, the Head of Finance advised that there will be variances in the budgets operated by AES due to the nature of the services.  Savings had been achieved in the recycling budget due to the buoyancy of the recycling market which had resulted in a windfall income, but conversely, fuel pressures had been experienced.  AES retain some profits to deal with unexpected pressures, and the remainder is shared with the Council.  Discussion also ensured around recycling bins and the clothing recycling scheme which would be reviwed, together with future implications of the Environment Act.

Regarding whether the Norse Contract costs can be compared against previous service delivery, members were advised that an immediate impact was not expected due to the set up costs incurred in the first year.  Reference was also made to PIs, including the time for dealing with voids.

The level of staff vacancies within the council was discussed together with measures undertaken to increase recruitment and retention rates, including the recent pay and grading review.

In relation to appendix C, and in response to a query around the Granby Road area, it was confirmed that the review of the local plan will include a review of  employment land in the borough.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Fourth Quarter 2022/23 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the report be noted;

2.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the proposal to carry forward unspent revenue budget as set out in Appendix A (paragraph 2.12);

3.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the proposals to carry forward unspent capital budget as set out in Appendix A (paragraph 7.5 and 8.5).

The Committee considered a report which presented the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy, which brings together all income streams where the Council is responsible for collecting and recovering debt, and applies to the collection of Council Tax, No Domestic Rates, Sundry Debts and Housing Benefit.  The proposed policy provides a framework for maximising income collection and ensure that recovery action complies with legislation and best practice.

The Council is also seeking to sign up to the Citizens Advice Bureau Council Tax protocol, which means that HPBC, Enforcement Agents and advice agencies can help taxpayers pay their Council Tax bills while accessing debt advice when needed.  It was agreed that it would be recommended that this be a firm commitment by the Council.

Data collection around vulnerability was discussed, with members being advised that efforts are ongoing to identify vulnerable people, and individuals are encouraged to contact the council as soon as possible.

It was suggested that greater flexibility around direct debit dates would be useful, which would be investigated, although it was noted that requests for additional dates had not been received.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the implementation of the Corporate Debt Policy; and

2.    That the Executive be recommended to support the Council signing up to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Council Tax Protocol as set out at paragraph 3.11 of the report.

None

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Committee considered applications for write offs which are deemed non recoverable.