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Agenda and minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3UY
Contact: Democratic Services on 01424 451484 email: democraticservices@hastings.gov.uk
Items No. Item Apologies for Absence
Minutes:
Apologies for absence received from Councillors Bacon and Marlow-Eastwood.
Declarations of Interest
Minutes:
None.
Revenue Budget 2021/22 Revised and 2022/23, plus Capital Programme 2022/23-2024/2025
Minutes:
The Deputy Mayor proposed suspending Rule 16.6b of the Council’s Constitution, seconded by Councillor Beaver.
RESOLVEDthat council suspends Rule 16.6b of the Constitution to permit the substantive motion and any proposed amendments to be on the table and open for discussion at the same time.
The Deputy Mayor proposed that, in order for the Councillors to take advice from the Chief Finance Officer, Full Council proceed as if in committee, seconded by Councillor Battley.
RESOLVEDthat in order for Full Council to take advice from the Chief Finance Officer where appropriate, under Rule 16.14 of the Constitution the Council proceed as if in committee.
Councillor Chowney, the Finance and Property portfolio holder, proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Rogers, to approve the recommendations set out in minute 418 of Cabinet on 7th February 2022, Revenue Budget 2021/22 Revised and 2022/23, plus Capital Programme 2022/23-2024/2025.
Councillor Chowney thanked the finance team, and Peter Grace, the Chief Finance Officer, for their work on the budget.
Councillor Patmore, Leader of the Conservative Group, spoke in relation to the Budget and proposed two amendments, seconded by Councillor Rankin, as set out bellow.
Amendment A:
Add the following words: Reverse the decision taken under emergency powers by the Managing Director at full council on 9th February 2022.
The Council to accept Contractor 5 (indicated in Part 2 papers from the Cabinet meeting dated 4th January 2022) as the best option to carry out Building Cleaning Services.
Amendment B:
Add the following words: With a four-yearly cycle starting in 2024, we propose that Borough Council elections take place as all out elections every 4 years instead of halves every two years.
To resolve to formally start this process and seek government approval for the change.
Councillor Beaver proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Cooke, as set out below.
Amendment C:
Add the following words: To reduce the budget for the cost of democracy for 2022/23 by £30,000 as a one-off in year saving and use that amount to stop the sale of the civic silver and regalia.
Councillor Carr proposed two amendments to the budget, seconded by Councillor Hilton, as set out below:
Amendment D:
Amend recommendation 7 of the budget report to read: Approve that the use of the limited monies in the budget and Reserves for "Invest to Save" schemes be determined by the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the lead member for Finance, with details of any spend being presented quarterly to both the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee. This should set the procedural precedent for any fund or scheme, particularly where the decision is made by 4 people or less in the interest of financial transparency in all that we do.
Amendment E:
Amend recommendation 9 of the budget report to read: Approve the revised Land and Property Disposal Programme (Appendix L) in principle and agree that disposals can be brought forward if market conditions make it sensible to do so, but where legislation ... view the full minutes text for item 233.
Treasury Management, Annual Investment Strategy and Capital Strategy 2022/23
Minutes:
The Deputy Mayor proposed suspending Rule 16.6b of the Council’s Constitution, seconded by Councillor Battley.
RESOLVEDthat council suspends Rule 16.6b of the Constitution to permit the substantive motion and any proposed amendments to be on the table and open for discussion at the same time.
Councillor Chowney, the Finance and Property portfolio holder, proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Batsford, to approve the recommendations set out in minute 417 of Cabinet on 7th February 2022, Treasury Management, Annual Investment Strategy and Capital Strategy 2022/23.
Councillor Hilton proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Carr, as set out below:
Add the following to the list of requirements for specific investment appraisals as set out in paragraph 33, page 9 of the Capital Strategy: Consideration of how the investment will mitigate climate risk using the best available data
Councillor Chowney accepted the amendment and Councillors debated the substantive motion as amended.
RESOLVED (by 17 votes for, to 11 against, with 2 abstentions) that:
1. The Council approve the Treasury Management Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy, Annual investment Strategy and the Capital Strategy.
2. The strategies listed are updated as necessary during 2022/23 in the light changing and emerging risks and the Council’s evolving future expenditure plans.
3. The Financial Rules and the Financial Operating Procedures of the Council are reviewed and revised as necessary to meet the requirements of the Code of Practice.4. ‘Consideration of how the investment will mitigate climate risk using the best available data’ be add to the list of requirements for specific investment appraisals as set out in paragraph 33, page 9 of the Capital Strategy.
Reasons:1. The Council seeks to minimise the costs of borrowing and maximise investment income whilst ensuring the security of its investments. The Council continues to make substantial investments in property, housing and energy generation initiatives, and this will continue to involve the Council in taking on additional borrowing.
2. The sums involved are significant and the assumptions made play an important part in determining the annual budget. The CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice (2017 Edition), previously adopted by the Council, was released to take account of the more commercialised approach being adopted by councils and the enhanced levels of transparency required. The Code has represented best practice and helps ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
3. The Council has the ability to diversify its investments and must consider carefully the level of risk against reward against a background of historically very low interest rates. Investments can help to close the gap in the budget in the years ahead and thus help to preserve services, assist in the regeneration of the town, provide additional housing and enhance the long term sustainability of the town. However, over reliance on such income streams would involve taking unnecessary risks with the future of the Council and its ability to deliver statutory services.Budget and Corporate Plan consultation response and draft Corporate Plan update 2022/23
Minutes:
The Deputy Mayor proposed suspending Rule 16.6b of the Council’s Constitution, seconded by Councillor Beaver.
RESOLVEDthat council suspends Rule 16.6b of the Constitution to permit the substantive motion and any proposed amendments to be on the table and open for discussion at the same time.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Forward, proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Barnett, to approve the recommendations set out in minute 416 of Cabinet on 7th February 2022, Budget and Corporate Plan consultation response and draft Corporate Plan update 2022/23.
The Leader of the Council thanked everyone who responded to the consultation process.
Councillor Rankin, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, spoke in relation to the Corporate Plan update.
The Deputy Mayor adjourned the meeting, to be reconvened on a date to be agreed.
(The Deputy Mayor declared the meeting closed at 9.02pm) -
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