Agenda and minutes

To receive verbally from members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council's code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.  This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the agenda.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Late item attached.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) presented the report to Members.  With the uncertainty concerning funding levels from Central Government the strategy reported the projected financial settlement at different levels of funding.   

It was noted that the changes to the council tax benefit funding would significantly impact on the Council. 

Mr Ladkin entered the meeting at 7.15pm.

A question was asked as to the distribution of Section 106 monies.  The Committee was informed that the Council was leading discussions with other Councils in Leicestershire to put together a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for all councils to use and this would take up to 18 months to put into place. 

Mr Inman congratulated the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) and his team on its presentation and delivery of the report. 

During the period of this MTFS the Council would be working towards delivering a number of key major projects.  These included: the refurbishment/relocation of the Leisure Centre; the construction of the Hinckley Hub; and the regeneration of the Argents Mead site and Members sought clarification on each of these developments.

Members asked if the estimated costing for demolition of the Council building would be realised and the likelihood of the works exceeding this figure.  Members were informed that the Estates and Asset Manager would prepare a report for Members and this would be brought to the Scrutiny Commission outlining the options and costings.   

RESOLVED – the report be noted.      

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

Members received a report which outlined the proposed budget for 2012/13 in respect of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and recommended an average 9.3% rent increase.  Tenants had been consulted on this increase and had taken a very supportive stance in response.

This was a one-off holding budget due to changes in Central Government legislation and unknown impacts of the right to buy scheme. Ongoing work would be undertaken and presented to the Scrutiny Commission upon completion.

RECOMMENDED –

(i)         the Committee endorse the recommendations to Council;

(ii)        the budgets presented in annexes A, B and C to the report be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

The General Fund Revenue Budgets were presented to the Commission and had been prepared taking into account the Capital and HRA budgets. 

RECOMMENDED

(i)         the General Fund service expenditure be approved;

(ii)        the Special Expenses area expenditure be approved;

(iii)       the total General Fund service expenditure for the Council be approved; and

(iv)       the proposed movement of General Fund Reserves be approved.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

The Accountancy Manager presented the report outlining the four key legislative requirements which provided an approved framework within which day to day capital and treasury activities take place.

RECOMMENDED – Members note the key elements of the report.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) attached.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) presented the Capital Programme In conjunction with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

RECOMMENDED – the report be noted.