Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2017 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered a report which provided information on the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31 December 2017 (“Third Quarter 2017/18”).

A summary of the Council’s performance and financial position was set out in paragraph 3 of the report.  The first report from Alliance Environmental Services (AES) was set out at page 18 of the report, which indicated that the company was reporting a forecast profit before year 1 savings payable to HPBC, which is an improved position against budget.  An assessment of the impact of efficiency measures was set out in paragraph 5 of the report, which indicated that the Council is on course to meet the overall saving requirements for the year.

Regarding the HRA capital programme, further information was requested around the value of aids and adaptations outstanding, plus the value of those planned for next year. 

Concern was expressed that ward members had not been informed about, or had an opportunity to be involved with the estate regeneration funding consultancy.

RESOLVED:

That the third quarter 2017/18 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the report, be noted.

The Committee considered the proposed budget for 2018/19, updated Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 – 2021/22, Procurement Forward Plan 2018/19 and proposed Fees and Charges for 2018/19.

The report indicated that satisfactory progress was being made in achieving savings with good forecast reserves.  Uncertainties remained around business rates, with the authority being part of a Derbyshire wide pilot for the 100% business rates retention scheme for 2018/19.  Reference was also made to the potential impact of changes in the frequency and size of interest rates changes.

The proposed Fees and Charges for 2018/19 included a recommendation for an increase in car parking charges and the extension of the residents car parking scheme by 1 hour, and in response to a query, members were advised that the proposed increase in car parking charges was not directly linked to the extension of the residents car parking scheme.

It was noted that an amendment was necessary to the report to reflect no charge for the first hour of car parking in New Mills (Appendix C).

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be requested to recommend that Council:

·         Approve the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2018/19 as detailed in Appendix A (section 8)

·         Approve the revised Medium Term Financial Plan (2018/19 to 2021/22) as detailed in Appendix A, including the revised Capital Programme (attached at Annex A) for the General Fund and HRA

·         Approve the proposed Procurement Forward Plan for 2018/19, providing the authority to procure based on procurement activity details in Appendix B

·         Approve the proposed Fees and Charges for 2018/19 as details in Appendix C, subject to the amendment around car parking in New Mills;

·         Approve a Band D Council Tax of £186.36 for 2018/19 (an increase of 2.9% from 2018/19)

·         Approve the following HRA charges:

o   Dwellings rents to reduce by an average of 1% (over 52 weeks) from £71.73 to £70.00 average per week;

o   Garage rents to be increased by 5% (over 52 weeks) from £6.16 to £6.47 average per week;

o   Other charges including service charges to increase by a maximum of 5% for current tenants

o   Fuel charges at individual blocks have been reviewed and the 2018/19 charge is based on 2016/17 and 2017/18 actual fuel usage/prices charges on an individual scheme basis;

o   From 1 April 2018, new tenants are charge ‘formula’ rent (less 1%) plus any applicable service charge based on the actual cost to the Council

·         Note the Chief Finance Officer’s view that the level of reserves are adequate for the Council based on this budget and the circumstances in place at the time of preparing it (Appendix A section 7)

The Committee considered a report which advised that the Council had received a nomination for the old Council Plant Nursery, Serpentine Walks, off Burlington Road, Buxton to be registered as an asset of community value and in accordance with the Council’s policy must decide whether to approve or refuse the nomination. 

Reference was made to a letter sent by the nominating organisation to the Buxton Advertizer, which had been circulated to the Committee.

In response to a query regarding the licence issued for the site, it was confirmed that the group were aware that the licence included a notice period of 14 days, and that they had previously indicated that they were looking for alternative locations.

It was acknowledged by members that the policy had been applied correctly in assessing the nomination, and noted that only part of the site had been licenced in the first instance to determine whether the concept would work.  It was commented that although the Council has a responsibility to get best value, other duties and responsibilities should also have been taken into account.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to refuse the listing of the old Council Plant Nursery, Serpentine Walks, off Burlington Road, Buxton as an asset of community value.

The Committee considered a report which introduced an information governance framework for managing information and the associated risks, and supporting regulatory, legal, and operational requirements to ensure that the Council complies with legislative requirements when processing information.

It was requested that training on the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) be arranged for Borough and Parish Councillors, and it was suggested that the requirements around registration with the ICO be incorporated into the elections training for prospective councillors.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Executive be recommended to note the content of the report, and approve the proposed approach to information governance;

2.    That the Executive be recommended to approve that the Council register all Councillors with the ICO, and meet the registration costs, unless individual councillors wish to op-out from registering.

A report outlining the impact of the closure of Buxton Court on residents and the Council be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

There would be a meeting of the Asset Management Working Group prior to the meeting of Corporate Select Committee on 23 April.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the above, the Select Committee Work Programmes be noted.

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 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 exempt minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2017 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered timescales and procurement arrangements for the second phase of the Pavilion Gardens capital works.