Items 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 on
the agenda were discussed together due to being interlinked, but
votes were taken separately under each item. During discussion on
the finance-related reports, the following points were raised or
comments made:
- The Finance team were
thanked again for their hard work on the budget and putting reports
together and managers were thanked for finding and implementing
savings;
- The reason for
postage savings at the hub being due to centralisation and the
recharging of partners;
- In response to a
question about the availability of help towards local plan costs,
it was reported that the District Councils’ Network was
making representations on this;
- Support was expressed
for the continuation of part of the New Homes Bonus being devolved
to parishes and it was acknowledged that HBBC was the only
authority in the county to do so;
- The markets income
took into account both Hinckley & Atherstone markets and,
whilst there had been a reduction in income, savings had been made
by re-arranging the erection and dismantling of stalls;
- In response to
concern raised about costs resulting from delays in the opening of
the leisure centre, members were assured that this was covered in
the contract and would not impact on the Council;
- The reduction in car
parks income due to the closure of Brunel Road North & South
and the Bus Station car parks had been included in the
budget;
- The overall surplus
in car parking due to Leicestershire County Council staff
purchasing permits was noted;
- Local authorities
were being encouraged to borrow money to regenerate the economy,
which explained the increased borrowing activity of the
council;
- HBBC was one of the
first authorities in the area to pay a living wage;
- The review
of the Schedule of Rates for housing repairs had been concluded and
a work plan was being devised to implement revised
charges”;
- There would be a
saving on the estimated cost of demolition of the former council
offices;
- In
response to a request for the issue of recharging tenants
for services provided through Supporting People
funding to come to Council it was reported that the setting
of fees and charges was an Executive decision;
- The Disabled
Facilities Grant budget had been reduced due to having jointly
procured a new provider which resulted in lower costs and also the
number of major works requested had reduced. It was noted that
there was no longer a large waiting list for works;
-
There was no statutory requirement to hold
a set level of reserves but this authority
maintained minimum levels of 10% of the net budget
requirement in balances;
- It was suggested that
flexibility be built into the Parish & Community Initiative
Fund as smaller parishes may not need to apply for funding for
several years, yet need a larger amount every few
years.
The Executive member presenting
the item suggested again that in future detailed questions on items
within the report be passed to him before the meeting to enable him
to provide the answers at the meeting.
Councillor Ladkin left the
meeting during the item before the votes were taken.