Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Finance

Further reports to follow after it has been considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 17 January 2022 and minutes are available from Licensing Committee held on 13 January 2022.

Council received the report of the Director of Finance including:

·                     Budget setting report

·                     Income charging policy

·                     Schedule of fees and charges

·                     Capital Strategy (Including the Treasury Management Policy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Prudential Indicators)

·                     Budget and Council Tax Resolution 2022 to 2023

·                     Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2024-25

·                     Report of Licensing Committee 13 January 2022

·                     Report of Cabinet 17 January 2022

The Mayor moved the budget report which was seconded by Councillor Watkin. The Mayor presented the budget which would help the town to continue to respond to the pandemic, support those most in need, enable businesses to grow and succeed, provide the best local services and ensure value for money for residents.

Councillor Turmaine moved an amendment to the budget report, which was seconded by Councillor Khan.  The full amendment was circulated prior to the meeting and is shown below:

“Introduction: 

The Labour Group would like to propose an amendment to the budget for 2022/23. This relates to the proposed increase in burial fees and charges as outlined in section Community Services, 2022/23 Fees and Charges Proposed for Cemeteries. 

Proposed Change: 

Currently, the proposed increase in charges for most services is in the region of 3%. Officers have identified that projected increase in income across the three related income streams would be around £20,000 for 2022/23. A 3% increase in fee would be expected to generate income of around £11,000. 

COVID-19 has imposed incredibly harsh economic circumstances on many people in our town. Further, those having to deal with the consequences of a death owing to COVID-19 will no doubt be feeling particularly hard hit. 

Therefore, the Labour Group proposes that £11,000 is set aside from the Economic Impact Reserve in order to freeze the charges at their current rates for the period of 2022/23. This will help alleviate the devastating impact of residents dealing with deaths and is proposed for one year only, meaning that fees would increase by 3% plus inflation in 2023/24. Most opinion suggests that the impact COVID-19 is having on us will have depleted by the time we get to 2023/24.”

Councillor Turmaine argued that it would alleviate the impact of the pandemic on bereaved families and was intended to be for one year only.

Members debated the amendment and the original motion.          

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 the votes were recorded as follows:

The amendment was put to the vote.

Those members voting in favour of the amendment:

The Chairman Councillor Mauthoor, Councillors Bell, Dhindsa, Ezeifedi, Khan, Shah, Smith, Trebar, Turmaine and Watling.

Those members voting against the amendment:

Mayor Taylor, Councillors Allen-Williamson, Clarke-Taylor, Devonish, Dychton, Feldman, Hamid, Hannon, Hofman, Jeffree, Johnson, Kloss, Martins, Osborn, Parker, Pattinson, A Saffery, G Saffery, Stanton, Stiff, Stotesbury, Walford, Watkin, Wenham and Williams.

There were no abstentions.

The amendment was LOST by 10 votes to 25.  There were no abstentions.

The original motion was then put to Council.

Those members voting in favour of the motion:

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57

Report of the Head of Finance

Cabinet received a report of the Head of Finance enabling members to consider service level expenditure, funding and council tax levels for the medium term 2022/23 to 2024/25, including use of reserves.

Councillor Watkin, Portfolio Holder responsible for Finance was invited to introduce the report.

Councillor Watkin commented that at last year’s budget setting meeting he had said there was uncertainty about the impact of coronavirus on the council; it had proven those concerns were correct.  He highlighted key points within the budget report.  Coronavirus was still having an impact on some of the services provided by the council and these would continue to be monitored throughout the coming year.  The council was proposing many exciting projects which were set out in the Capital Investment Programme.  There were a number of risks but appropriate action would be taken as required. 

Councillor Watkin advised that the budget, as set put, proposed an increase of approximately 1.5%, equivalent to approximately £2 per month.  It was likely to be one of the lowest increases in Hertfordshire.

The Mayor noted the proposed increase was significantly below inflation.

Councillor Johnson commented that the council was in a lucky position of not being required to look for cuts.  He said this showed great testament to how the council had been run over the years.

The Mayor informed members that the council received more income from its property investments than it did from Council Tax.

Councillor Bell recognised that it had been very difficult over the last 18 months to two years due to the pandemic.  He commended officers for their work.  He noted the proposed funding for a new bus interchange in the town centre and asked if there was any indication when this may happen.

The Mayor explained that the bus interchange project involved other organisations working in partnership, including the county council.  Currently there was no definitive time frame.  Councillor Stotesbury added that it was important that it was indicated within the budget to show the council’s commitment to it.

Councillor Bell then referred to the funding for social rented housing and in particular whether Croxley View phase three was part of it.

Councillor Johnson advised that the social rented housing, including temporary accommodation, for the Croxley View scheme were allocated within the first two phases.  The third phase of the scheme was aimed more at the sales market, although there would need to be some to meet the council’s requirement of 35% affordable housing.  The £1 million referred to by Councillor Bell was outside of the 55 units mentioned.

The Mayor stressed that it was important to the administration that Council Tax was kept as low as possible.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 the votes were recorded as follows –

Those in favour

Mayor Taylor, Councillors Dychton, Johnson, Stotesbury, Watkin and Williams

The resolution as set out in the report were CARRIED by 6 vote to 0.

RESOLVED –

1.         That Cabinet delegates to the Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60