There were no apologies for absence.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2012 to be submitted and signed.  (All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2012 were submitted and signed.

Report of the Head of Strategic Finance

The Cabinet report referred to in the Head of Strategic Finance’s report to Budget Panel has been printed separately.

The Panel received a report of the Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services incorporating the report and appendices for the Cabinet meeting to be held on 21 January 2013.  The Panel was advised that its comments would be forwarded on to Cabinet.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services explained the details in his report to Cabinet.  He advised that it had been a difficult budget to produce due to a number of uncertainties which were covered within the different sections of the report.  He also referred to the Capital Programme and asked for Budget Panel’s views on the proposed new schemes which Cabinet would consider for inclusion at its meeting on 21 January.

The Chair, Councillor Dhindsa, asked that Members reviewed the report as Budget Panel and not as individual political groups.  All parties would be able to make their individual political comments at Council

Growth Additions to Base Budgets (Appendix 3)

Councillor Khan referred to the ICT recharges, recently approved by the Shared Services Joint Committee.  He enquired whether they had been included within the report to Cabinet.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services stated that the transition costs had been included within the Council’s Capital Programme but that the one off additional first year revenue costs had not been incorporated at this point in time.

Following a question from Councillor Derbyshire, the Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services advised that the revenue requirements for Shared Services would be provided to Cabinet once finalised as they were not included in this report.

Fees and Charges (Appendices 4A, 4B and 11)

Councillor Martins noted that in Appendix 4A (Budget Movement Reconciliation) there were no figures for the market in 2013/14.  He asked for clarification.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services explained that currently the market was losing in the region of £200,000 per year.  The proposals were for the market to break even.  The base estimates before the Panel still provided for the net cost of £200,000.  Discussions with a prospective Market Operator would be looking for a break-even position.

Following a question from Councillor Khan, the Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services informed the Panel that most fees and charges had not changed or had only increased to cover inflation.  Trade Waste had a higher increase.  This had previously been discussed by Budget Panel and it had been agreed that this service should break even.

Councillor Khan asked whether Trade Waste would still be included in the Council’s budget if it were outsourced.

The Head of Strategic Finance and Shared Services advised that details were still being finalised with the two companies applying for the service.  The companies had different approaches.  It was possible that the service might not be outsourced.  The final decision would be made by Cabinet at its meeting in April.

Councillor Jeffree noted the reduction in the charge for street trading consent.  He asked whether this was a deliberate policy.

The Head of Strategic Finance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

·               Tuesday 12 February 2013  

It was agreed that the next programmed meeting was too soon and that it should be moved to March.

·               Monday 11 March 2013