The Chair welcomed everyone to the virtual meeting of Council Functions Committee, introducing the councillors and officers present.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2020 to be submitted and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2020 were agreed.  It was noted that these would be signed once officers and members were able to return to the town hall.

Report of the Section Head – Financial Planning

The committee received a report of the Shared Director of Finance consolidating the decisions of Watford Borough Council and the two precepting bodies to give the overall council tax for residents of Watford for 2021/22.

The Shared Director of Finance introduced the report and explained that the Council Tax setting was a procedural decision.  She explained that Watford Borough Council had set its Council Tax at full Council on the 26 January 2021, Hertfordshire County Council set its Council Tax at their Council meeting earlier in the day and the Police and Crime Commissioner set his Council Tax at the Panel meeting in February 2021.  Details of the proposed increases were included in the report.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was taken.

Those voting in favour of the resolution:

Councillors Walford, Dychton, Johnson, Parker and Watkin

There were no votes against the resolution.

Those members abstaining from voting:

Councillors Mills and Shah

The resolution was carried by 5 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions.

RESOLVED –

that the committee formally sets the total Council Tax for Watford Borough Council, which includes the precepts for Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, as set out in the report.