Agenda, decisions and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 August 2020 are attached for confirmation and signature as a current record.

The minutes of 6 August 2020 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.

No apologies received.

To declare disposable pecuniary, and any other interests*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.

No declarations made.

No announcements. 

None.

To recommend to Cabinet that the Annual Food Safety Plan be adopted.

That the Annual Food Safety Plan 2020/21 be adopted.

The Food Safety Plan for 2020/21 was considered.

Members were informed that the standard of food premises in the Hart area has generally shown an improvement.

Members discussed the affect of the current Pandemic may have had on food safety and were informed that in the initial stages Environmental Health provided a lot of guidance to restaurants who wanted to offer a delivery service. The advice was provided by the same team who dealt with Covid-19 regulations and as there were no food hygiene inspections, weekly drive arounds were carried out to give advice and to do spot checks.

DECISION

That the Annual Food Safety Plan 2020/21 be adopted.

To consider the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in Hart.

1          That officers commence the processes to set the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule; and

2          That Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider any draft CIL Charging Schedule prior to a Cabinet decision to consult.

Cabinet considered the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in Hart.

Members were informed that the Government was in the process of changing the law and overall the view is that it would be better to carry on with current arrangements and adjust when the law changes.

Members discussed why this had not been covered in existing budgets and were informed that until there is more clarity it is better not to include it in the budget however the CIL charges incorporate the costs of setting and implementing the CIL Charging Schedule so ultimately would be absorbed later on.

Members also sought clarification on Charging zones and were informed that it will be important to set it at a rate to ensure it will be fully policy compliant.

With regard to timescales, Members were informed that the process may take between 12-18 months to get in place. 

DECISION

1          That officers commence the processes to set the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule; and

2          That Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider any draft CIL Charging Schedule prior to a Cabinet decision to consult.

To allow a refresh of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and to a timetable for the setting of the budget for 2021-22.

Members noted and agreed the refresh of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as outlined and the timetable for budget build for 2021-22.

Cabinet considered a proposed refresh of the Medium-Term Financial strategy (MTFS) and timetable for the setting of the budget for 2021-22.

Members discussed lost revenue (in terms of Leisure Centres) caused by the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic had been taken in account and were informed that fees are set at Pre-Covid levels in the 21-22 budget and assumes everything will be back to normal, although there will be revisions to current budgets.

DECISION

Members noted and agreed the refresh of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as outlined and the timetable for budget build for 2021-22.

Post consideration by Overview & Scrutiny Committee, to consider Annual Report on Treasury Management Activities 2019/20. 

Post consideration by Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet considered the Annual Report on Treasury Management Activities 2019/20.

Members were informed that further investigation would be carried out by the Section 151 Officer to find alternative investment opportunities.

Members were encouraged to take advantage of training courses on Treasury management for organisations such as Hart, which can be arranged for all Council Members.

DECISION

That the report be noted and that further investigation be carried out by the Section 151 Officer to find alternative investment opportunities with higher returns.  

Post consideration by Overview & Scrutiny Committee, to consider the Annual Report on outturn.

Post consideration by Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet considered the Annual Report on Outturn.

Members were reminded that it is important to recognise these budgets change every year and during the year, and therefore it is not surprising there will be ups and down.  However, it is unusual that we see the bulk of the money being used so we will have to challenge ourselves to be careful.

DECISION

1          That Cabinet note the 2019/20 outturn position, including the underspend of £847K after transfers and accounting adjustments for the General Fund Revenue Account.

2          Further, that Cabinet endorses the approach that the £847K be used to increase the General Fund Reserve.

3          That Cabinet approves the carry forward of the unspent revenue budgets as detailed in paragraph 6.  

Minutes from meetings held on 14 July and 4 August 2020 to be noted.

The minutes of the meetings of 14 July and 4 August 2020 were noted.

The Cabinet Work Programme is attached for consideration and amendment.

The Cabinet Work Programme was considered and amended.

•           Harlington roof repairs will be re-considered as a key decision when all information has been received from Fleet Town Council if the costs are above the threshold.

•           Programme to be updated for SANGS – Cabinet Member is Cllr Cockarill.

•           Programme updated for the next steps detailed in Medium Term Financial Strategy paper.