Venue: Council Chamber
Contact: Committee Services
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING PDF 81 KB The minutes of the meeting held on 5 January 2023 are attached for confirmation and signature as a correct record. Additional documents:
Minutes: The minutes of 5 January, including the exempt minutes, were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Radley |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 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. Minutes: No apologies had been received.
Cllr Collins was attending virtually and therefore would not be able to vote on any of the agenda items.
Cllr Radley advised that Cllr Clarke would be slightly late in arriving. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 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. Minutes: Cllr Farmer declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item on the Budget as he was voluntary Chairman of Hart Swimming Club, which hired facilities at the leisure centre. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The Chairman had no announcements. |
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (ITEMS PERTAINING TO THE AGENDA) Anyone wishing to make a statement to the Committee should contact Committee Services at least two clear working days prior to the meeting. Further information can be found online.
Minutes: There was none. |
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BUDGET REPORT 2023/24 PDF 292 KB To consider the draft 2023/24 Revenue Budget, Capital programme, and Council Tax Proposal prior to and make a recommendation to Council
RECOMMENDATION
That Cabinet recommend to Council to:
i. agree a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2023/24, ii. agree not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating, iii. agree to make changes to fees and charges for 2023/24 in line with the principles set out in this report, with full details being reported to full Council, iv. approve the draft Revenue Budget for 2023/24 as summarised in paragraph 10.1 and Appendix 3, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at Appendix 4, v. approve the new Capital Bids as detailed in Appendix 1, vi. request the S151 Officer to undertake a comprehensive review of reserves, provisions and SANG funds, as detailed in section 7 of this report, in Spring 2023 when the 2022/23 outturn is known and a more accurate assessment of economic conditions and business rate provisions can be made, vii. approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 2, viii. note the emerging pressures and risks set out in the report and the S151 Officer’s intention to undertake a mid-year review of detailed budgets, and ix. approve the capital receipt flexibility strategy detailed in the report under the Direction issued by the Government early in 2022.
Minutes: This item was to consider the draft 2023/24 Revenue Budget, Capital programme, and Council Tax Proposal prior to and make a recommendation to Council.
(Cllr Clarke arrived at 7.04 during this item)
Cabinet noted:
A Member queried how a balanced budget had been achieved given the additional income through Government funding, revenue income and council tax income. It was explained that whilst previous figures presented to Overview & Scrutiny in November had shown a deficit, and there had been a significant increase in government grant, there had also been other items (notably debt charges and leisure centre management fees) which had not been favourable and caused a material swing in the other direction. These latter issues are referred to in the budget book and had accounted for most of the change in position. Figures would be available to view in the budget book.
The recommendation was proposed by Cllr Radley; seconded by Cllr Neighbour.
Thanks were given to the finance team for their work in producing a balanced budget in what were exceptionally difficult economic times.
The recommendation was agreed unanimously and would therefore be put to full Council at the end of February.
DECISION
Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council to:
i. agree a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2023/24, ii. agree not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating, iii. agree to make changes to fees and charges for 2023/24 in line with the principles set out in this report, with full details being reported to full Council, iv. approve the draft Revenue Budget for 2023/24 as summarised in paragraph 10.1 and Appendix 3, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at Appendix 4, v. approve the new Capital Bids as detailed in Appendix 1, vi. request the S151 Officer to undertake a comprehensive review of reserves, provisions and SANG funds, as detailed in section 7 of this report, in Spring 2023 when the 2022/23 outturn is known and a more accurate assessment of economic conditions and business rate provisions can be made, vii. approve the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 2, viii. note the emerging pressures and risks set out in the report and the S151 Officer’s intention to undertake a mid-year review of detailed budgets, and ix. approve the capital receipt flexibility strategy detailed in the report under ... view the full minutes text for item 105. |
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DRAFT TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT PDF 415 KB To consider the draft Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/24 which incorporates the Annual Investment Strategy and Prudential and Treasury Indicators
RECOMMENDATION
Cabinet to recommend that Council:
I. approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 and the revised Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it, II. approve the Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24 noting the changes to the counterparty financial limits and ESG criteria and approach, and; III. approve and draft Capital Strategy 2023/24.
Minutes: This item was to consider the draft Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/24 which incorporates the Annual Investment Strategy and Prudential and Treasury Indicators.
Cabinet noted:
Proposed by Cllr Radley; seconded by Cllr Neighbour.
DECISION
Cabinet agreed to recommend that Council:
I. approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 and the revised Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it, II. approve the Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24 noting the changes to the counterparty financial limits and ESG criteria and approach, and; III. approve and draft Capital Strategy 2023/24.
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REVIEW OF FINANCE REGS AND CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS PDF 88 KB To review draft updates of Financial Regulations and Contracts Standing Orders
RECOMMENDATION
1. To consider the proposed updates to the Council’s Financial Regulations, as set out in Appendix 1, and the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, as set out in Appendix 2 ahead of Council adoption in February
Additional documents:
Minutes: This item was to review draft updates of Financial Regulations and Contracts Standing Orders
Cabinet noted:
A Member queried whether in the light of the recent internal audit investigation, any changes had been made to the documents? It was confirmed that the procurement rules and guidance had been specifically reviewed and amended and the approach to project management changed too. It was also noted that the Terms of Reference for the Project Board were being reviewed to give a greater emphasis on financial monitoring.
Proposed by Cllr Radley; Seconded by Cllr Neighbour
DECISION
Cabinet agreed the proposed updates to the Council’s Financial Regulations, as set out in Appendix 1, and the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, as set out in Appendix 2 ahead of Council adoption in February. |
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The purpose of this report is for Cabinet to consider the comments received to the draft Corporate Plan and to make a recommendation for debate at February’s Full Council.
RECOMMENDATION 1. That the adjusted version of the Corporate Plan 2023-2027 attached at Appendix 1 be recommended to Council for adoption.
Additional documents:
Minutes: The purpose of this report was for Cabinet to consider the comments received to the draft Corporate Plan and to make a recommendation for debate at February’s Full Council.
Cabinet noted:
An updated version of the draft document would be circulated as soon as possible.
A Member stated that they felt that it would have been useful for the Overview & Scrutiny Committee to have been able to see the responses from residents, but it was clarified that as the Corporate Plan was owned by full Council, O&S had been asked to contribute as a stakeholder.
Proposed by Cllr Quarterman; Seconded by Cllr Neighbour
Cabinet debated:
DECISION Cabinet agreed that the adjusted version of the Corporate Plan 2023-2027 attached at Appendix 1 be recommended to Council for adoption.
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CORONATION CELEBRATION COMMUNITY GRANT PDF 159 KB To seek Cabinet approval for the use of a Councillor Community Grant ward-based approach to funding local community projects to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation in May. The approach recommended is identical to that agreed by Cabinet in 2021 for the Platinum Jubilee. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION 1. A Councillor Community Grant ward-based approach to funding local community projects to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation be agreed in accordance with the principles as set out in Appendix 1.
Minutes: To seek Cabinet approval for the use of a Councillor Community Grant ward-based approach to funding local community projects to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation in May. The approach recommended is identical to that agreed by Cabinet in 2021 for the Platinum Jubilee.
Cabinet noted:
· That the proposal built on the success of the scheme used for the Platinum Jubilee · The funding would be at the same level as for the previous scheme - £1000 per ward, which can be applied for by individual Councillors at £333 each, or collectively · Whilst the money allocated was a modest amount, in many areas it had prompted other organisations to come together to organise events – there had been a great sense of community engagement
A Member questioned on what basis the funding had been calculated? It was noted that this was the same funding as used for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and feedback from the Wards was that they had found this helpful.
Cabinet questioned:
· What the take up for the funding was for the Platinum Jubilee. A written answer would be provided for this question as the information was not readily to hand · Whether there were any funds left from the Platinum Jubilee and whether these could be rolled forward into the Coronation fund. Again, a written response from the S151 Officer would be given.
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Quarterman DECISION Cabinet agreed that a Councillor Community Grant ward-based approach to funding local community projects to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation be arranged in accordance with the principles as set out in Appendix 1. |
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CABINET WORK PROGRAMME PDF 84 KB To consider and amend the Cabinet Work Programme. Minutes: The Cabinet Work Programme as circulated with the agenda paperwork was discussed.
It was noted that there was no date against the climate change action plan due to resourcing issues. However, a resource action plan for Climate Change would be brought to Cabinet at the March meeting. |