Agenda, decisions and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2022.

Councillor M Fitzgerald highlighted an error in minute number 323, recommendation b) should include Copeland Borough Council.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2022 were signed as a correct record subject to the above amendment being made.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None declared.

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm on a working day, allowing two clear working days before the day of the meeting.

None received.

None received.

Councillor M Heaslip Co-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee attended the meeting to provide feedback to the Executive on behalf of the Scrutiny Budget Task and Finish Group (TFG).

Executive had been provided with a copy of the published TFG report approved at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 4 February 2022.  

Following a short piece of work, carried out over three meetings during December 2021 and January 2022, the TFG report set out the findings and conclusions of the Group ahead of the approval of the Councils Budget.

In conclusion, the Group were satisfied that the process to develop the draft budget proposals for 2022/23 had been robust and that many budget pressures and risks were being adequately identified and managed. 

However, the Group did make the point that some aspects of the budget setting process for 2022/23 were unique.  As the last budget that Allerdale Borough Council would set members suggested that this would in effect become a baseline for service provision as we move into the new Cumberland Council in 2023.  They therefore recommend to the Executive to reflect very carefully on any budgetary decisions taken in setting the 2022/23 budget that may be carried through to future budgets and impact on communities in Allerdale beyond 2023.

Councillor M Heaslip moved the report submitted by the Scrutiny Budget TFG.

The Executive expressed thanks to the TFG members for their piece and work and feedback.

Agreed

That the report be noted.

The subject of the decision

The Chief Officer Assets submitted a report which sought to present to Members the draft revenue and capital budget and the formal advice of the chief financial officer on the robustness of the estimates included in the budget and the adequacy of the reserves which supported the Council’s budgetary plans.

Councillor C Sharpe presented the report and acknowledged the key points raised by the Scrutiny Budget Task and Finish Group. He thanked the Scrutiny members for their work and contribution to the budget setting process and confirmed that the Executive had certainly and sincerely reflected on what impacts there would be going forward and beyond the transition period of forming the new Cumberland Authority.

Councillor Sharpe moved the recommendations contained within the report.

The Executive expressed thanks to all those involved in setting the balanced budget.

The motion was seconded by Councillor A Pitcher.

A vote was taken, the recommendations were unanimously agreed.

Alternative options considered

None

The reason for the decision

The Council’s statutory requirement to approve a balanced budget.

The decision

Recommended

That Council be requested to agree that –

(i)  The total planned revenue expenditure be £15,894,980 including parish precepts of £2,702,794;

(ii)  £15,728,915 be approved as the Council’s net budget requirement for 2022-23;

(iii)  Allerdale’s share of council tax be frozen at the current (2021-22) level (£179.72 on band D Properties);

(iv)  No changes be made to the Council’s Council Tax Reduction discount scheme and that the current scheme remained in place for 2022-23;

(v)  The revenue estimates, as approved, be used in the calculation of the basic amount of tax under Section 31 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992;

(vi)  The minimum level of non-earmarked general fund balances be set at £2.7m and that no maximum level be set;

(vii)  The three-year capital budget (2022-23 to 2024-25) of £41,738,197 (comprising £19,760,372 in 2022-23, £15,400,055 in 2023-24 and £6,577,770 in 2024-25) be approved;

(viii)  The proposed three-year capital budget for 2022-23 to 2024-25 be financed as follows:

a.  grants and contributions ……………………..£35,885,865

b.  borrowing and credit arrangements (leases)...£5,216,480

c.  capital receipts ……………………………………£635,852

The subject of the decision

The Assistant Chief Executive, Chief Officer for Policy, Performance and Economic Development submitted a report which sought member’s consideration of the Statement of Community Involvement and its referral to Council for approval.

Councillor M Fitzgerald moved the recommendation as per the report, this was seconded by Councillor C Sharpe. The recommendation was unanimously agreed.

Alternative options considered

None

The reason for the decision

The Council had a legal requirement to produce a Statement of Community Involvement under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to review it every five years, in line with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.

The decision

Recommended

That Council be requested to agree that the Statement of Community Involvement, as set out in appendix 1 of the report, be approved.