Agenda, decisions and minutes

9. Motions.

Councillor Carmen Griffiths, Declaration, as a private landlord and would leave the meeting for the duration of the item.

Councillor G A Reynolds, Declaration, as a private landlord and would leave the meeting for the duration of the item.

Councillor Douglas Webb, Declaration, as a private landlord and would leave the meeting for the duration of the item.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

Chairman’s Engagements

The Chairman advised Members that a copy of the events attended by himself or the Vice-Chairman had been published with the agenda and referred to his Chairman’s Dinner that was taking place on 13 April 2019. Further details were available from the Chairman’s PA, Liz Matthews.

Healthy Places Video

At the request of the Chairman, the Chief Executive advised Council of the Local Government Association (LGA) and District Councils Network (DCN) report on healthy place shaping, which was a case study document exploring the role of districts in health and features 10 examples from across the country. At the DCN National Conference, an animation that had been produced by the council’s Communications and PR Officer to support the report had been launched. The report and animation demonstrated the critical role District councils play in the prevention agenda.

Having watched the animation, Members commended officers for their excellent work in highlighting this important area and the role of district councils.

Member Seminar

The Chairman advised Members that the scheduled member seminar at 6.30pm on Tuesday 12 March would focus on Brexit. More details would be circulated in due course.   

Related Party Transactions

The Chairman referred to the Related Party Transaction forms on Members’ desks. All Members were required to complete the form, even if the response was “None”.  

Post

The Chairman reminded Members to collect any post from pigeon holes.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of Council held on 7 January 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

a)         Minutes of Executive, Lead Member Decisions and Executive Decisions not included in the 28 day notice

The Leader of the Council to formally propose that the minutes of the meetings of the Executive and Lead Member Decisions as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received and to report that since the last meeting of Council at which this was submitted on 17 December 2018, no decisions have been taken by the Executive which were not included in the 28 day notice.

b)         Minutes of Committees

The Leader of the Council to formally propose that the minutes of committees as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received.

a)              Minutes of the Executive, Lead Member Decisions and Executive Decisions made under Special Urgency

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting of the Executive and Lead Member decisions as set out in the Minute Book be received and that it be noted that since the last meeting of Council on 7 January 2019, no decisions had been taken by the Executive which were not included in the 28 day notice.

b)              Minutes of Committees

Resolved

That the minutes of Committees as set out in the Minute Book be received.

a)         Written Questions

            To receive any written questions and answers which have been submitted with advance notice in accordance with the Constitution. A written response to the question will be circulated at the meeting.

b)         Questions to the Leader of the Council

The Chairman to invite questions to the Leader of the Council (including any matters arising from the minutes).

Following a response to their question being provided Members will be entitled to a follow up or supplementary question.

c)         Questions to Committee Chairmen on the Minutes

The Chairman to invite questions to Chairmen of Committees on any matter arising from the minutes of their committee (if any).

a) Written Questions

There were no written questions.

b) Questions to the Leader of the Council

Questions were asked and answers received on the following issues:

Councillor Sibley: Letterbox heights

Councillor Sibley: Number of swifts in the district and swift bricks in buildings Councillor Cherry: Defibrilators

Councillor Mawer: Brexit

Councillor Richards: Ambulance service training

Councillor Dhesi: Bins in Castle Quay shopping centre

Councillor Dhesi: Calls to Cherwell District Council Customer Services

Councillor Dhesi: Pedestrianised area in Castle Quay 2        

c) Questions to Committee Chairmen on the Minutes

There were no questions to Committee Chairman on the minutes of meetings.

To debate the following motion which has been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the constitution.

Private Sector Housing

“This council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation.

Following previous years of poor performance; this council renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private rented sector.

As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:

1.    Improve engagement with private sector tenants by establishing a private tenants forum or association.

2.    Make it easier for private renters to raise concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council website.

3.    Raise awareness of the council's role in private sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local press and on social media.

4.    Develop an accreditation and license scheme for private sector landlords to identify and reward good practice.”

Proposer: Councillor Barry Richards

Seconder: Councillor Sean Woodcock

Resolved

(1)            That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

Private Sector Housing

“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.

The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to contact us.

The Council believes that an improved website, periodic communications and press releases (especially after successful prosecutions) are likely to be the best ways to increase awareness.

The Council instructs the Executive to periodically review the need for any further selective licensing and/or accreditation schemes, and to consider setting up a private resident’s forum.”

It was moved by Councillor Richards and seconded by Councillor Woodcock, that the following motion be adopted:

Private Sector Housing

“This council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation.

Following previous years of poor performance; this council renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private rented sector.

As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:

1.     Improve engagement with private sector tenants by establishing a private tenants forum or association.

2.     Make it easier for private renters to raise concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council website.

3.     Raise awareness of the council's role in private sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local press and on social media.

4.     Develop an accreditation and license scheme for private sector landlords to identify and reward good practice.”

Councillor Wood proposed the following amendments to the motion (deletions crossed and additions in italics), which was duly seconded by Councillor Donaldson:

“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.

Following previous years of poor performance; this council renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private rented sector.

As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:

1.     Improve engagement with private sector tenants by establishing a private tenants forum or association.

2.     Make it easier for private renters to raise concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council website.

3.     Raise awareness of the council's role in private sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local press and on social media.

4.     Develop an accreditation and license scheme for private sector landlords to identify and reward good practice.”

The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to contact us.

The Council believes that an improved website, periodic communications and press releases (especially after successful prosecutions) are likely to be the best ways to increase awareness.

The Council instructs the Executive to periodically review the need for any further selective licensing and/or accreditation schemes, and to consider setting up a private resident’s forum.”

On being put to the vote, the amendment was approved. The motion as amended was debated and on being put to the vote, was supported.

Resolved

(1)            That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

Private Sector Housing

“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.

The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

Report of Director Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

Purpose of report

To determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2019/2020 financial year following the submission of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

 1.1        Consider the levels of allowances to be included in the 2019/2020 Members’ Allowances Scheme, and whether the Panel’s recommendations should  be adopted or modified in any way

1.2         Authorise the Monitoring Officer to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2019.

1.3         Authorise the Monitoring Officer to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2018/2019) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

1.4         Thank the Independent Remuneration Panel for its report and set a fee of £300 for Panel Members for the work carried out on this review for 2018/2019 and propose the same level of fee for any reviews carried out it 2019/2020 capped at  a maximum of £1200.

Resolved

(1)            That, having given due consideration to the levels of allowances to be included in the 2019/2020 Members’ Allowances Scheme, the Panel’s recommendations (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted without modification.

(2)            That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2019.

(3)            That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2018/2019) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

(4)            That the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for its report and fee of £300 for Panel Members be set for the work carried out on this review for 2018/2019 and the same level of fee (£300) for any reviews carried out it 2019/2020 capped at  a maximum of £1200 be agreed.

The Director Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report to determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2019/2020 financial year following the submission of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

In presenting the report, Councillor Wood, Leader of the Council, thanked the Panel for their hard work in producing the report and acknowledged the recommendations and the Panel’s reasoning. 

Councillor Woodcock requested that a recorded vote be taken, which was seconded by Councillor Banfield.

Having been proposed and seconded, a recorded vote was duly taken and members voted as follows:

Resolved

(1)            That, having given due consideration to the levels of allowances to be included in the 2019/2020 Members’ Allowances Scheme, the Panel’s recommendations (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted without modification.

(2)            That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2019.

(3)            That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2018/2019) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

(4)            That the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for its report and fee of £300 for Panel Members be set for the work carried out on this review for 2018/2019 and the same level of fee (£300) for any reviews carried out it 2019/2020 capped at  a maximum of £1200 be agreed.

Report of Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) and Section S151 Officer

Purpose of report

Section 25 of The Local Government Act 2003, places a duty on the Chief Finance Officer to make a report to the authority on the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves. This report fulfils this requirement and provides Members with assurance that the budgets have been compiled appropriately and that the level of reserves is adequate. It is a statutory requirement that councillors must consider this report when considering and approving a budget.

Under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, the Council’s Chief Finance Officer is required to report to the Council on:

•                  The robustness of the estimates included within the budget

•                  The adequacy of the reserves and balances

Members must have regard to the contents of this report when considering the budget.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1.         To note the contents of this report

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

The Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) and Section S151 Officer submitted a report to accord with Section 25 of The Local Government Act 2003, which places a duty on the Chief Finance Officer to make a report to the authority on the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves. This report fulfilled this requirement and provided Members with assurance that the budgets have been compiled appropriately and that the level of reserves is adequate. It was a statutory requirement that councillors must consider this report when considering and approving a budget.

Resolved

(1)            That the report be noted.

** Please note that Appendix 10 to this report will follow as it is currently being reviewed and finalised **

Report of Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

The Business Plan and Summary Medium Term Financial Strategy are presented as an integrated report. This demonstrates the Councils strategic approach to aligning its resource to the delivery of Council’s priorities.

This report details the Business Plan 2019/20 and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2019/20 to 2023/24 prior to final approval by full Council in February 2019.    

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1.         To consider and approve the Business Plan set out in Appendix 1.

1.2.         To note the Risk Register contained at Appendix 2.

1.3.         To consider and approve an increase in the level of Council Tax for Cherwell District Council of £5 for 2019/20.

1.4.         To consider and approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), Revenue Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme including recommending the growth and savings proposals included at Appendix 9.

1.5.         To consider and approve a minimum level of General Fund reserves of £2m.

1.6.         To consider and approve that authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Governance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Lead Member to:

·           Transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year.

·           Update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators Report and Treasury Management Strategy Report to Council, for any budget changes that impact on these.

1.7.         To consider that the Fees & Charges set out in Appendix 7 be approved.

1.8.         To consider that the Treasury Management Strategy be approved, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2019/20.

1.9.         To consider and approve that authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the Council meeting of 25 February 2019, including changes related to the finalisation of the national Finance Settlement and any associated changes to Parish Precepts and Council resulting from those changes.

1.10.     To note the contents of the Section 25 report from the Chief Finance Officer in relation to the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves.

1.11.     To consider and approve the appended statement of pay policy for 2019/20 as required by the Localism Act and detailed in Appendix 10.

1.12.     To note the equality impact assessment for 2019/20 detailed in Appendix 11.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration, the Business Plan (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That the Risk Register (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be noted.

(3)          That, having given due consideration, an increase in the level of Council Tax for Cherwell District Council of £5 for 2019/20 be approved.

(4)          That, having given due consideration, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), Revenue Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme including recommending the growth and savings proposals (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(5)          That, having given due consideration, a minimum level of General Fund reserves of £2m.

(6)          That, having given due consideration, authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management & Governance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Lead Member to:

·              Transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year.

·              Update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators Report and Treasury Management Strategy Report to Council, for any budget changes that impact on these.

(7)          That, having given due consideration, the Fees & Charges (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(8)          That, having given due consideration, the Treasury Management Strategy, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2019/20 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(9)          That, having given due consideration, authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the Council meeting of 25 February 2019, including changes related to the finalisation of the national Finance Settlement and any associated changes to Parish Precepts and Council resulting from those changes.

(10)       That the contents of the Section 25 report from the Chief Finance Officer in relation to the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.

(11)       That, having given due consideration, the statement of pay policy for 2019/20 as required by the Localism Act (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(12)       That the equality impact assessment for 2019/20 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be noted.

Prior to consideration of the item, the Chairman sought the agreement of Members to suspend standing orders with regard to the duration of the speech by the proposer of the budget, or the speeches of the group spokesperson and group Leaders. Members indicated agreement.

The Director: Law and Governance reminded Council that it was required in legislation that any motion or amendment to the budget or council tax setting reports be taken by recorded vote and this would be done at the appropriate time.

The Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer submitted a report to consider the Business Plan 2019/20 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2019/20 - 2023/24. The Business Plan and Summary Medium Term Financial Strategy were presented as an integrated report, which demonstrated the Councils strategic approach to aligning its resource to the delivery of Council’s priorities.

In introducing the report, the Lead Member for Financial Management and Governance explained that the Council was required to produce a balanced budget for 2019/20 as the basis for calculating its level of Council Tax. It had to base that budget on its plans for service delivery during the year, recognising any changes in service demand that may arise in future years.

The proposed Business Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy were presented as an integrated report, incorporating updated Performance and Risk management frameworks, to ensure effective delivery. This clearly demonstrated that the Council adopted a strategic approach in aligning its allocation of all of its resources, to the delivery of the Council’s priorities.

Councillor Ilott thanked the Chief Finance Officer and the finance team who had worked hard on the budget process and submitted a balanced budget to Council. Councillor Ilott also thanked the Budget Planning Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Accounts, Audit and Risk Committee for their hard work supporting the budget setting and business plan process.

Having presented the report, Councillor Ilott proposed the Business Plan 2019/20 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2019/20 - 2023/24. Councillor Wood seconded the proposal.

Councillor Woodcock, on behalf of the Labour Group, addressed Council in response to the budget and confirmed that he would be proposing no amendments.

Councillor Sibley, on behalf of the Independent Group, addressed Council in response to the budget and confirmed that he would be proposing no amendments.

A recorded vote was taken and members voted as follows:

The Council to adjourn, if necessary to allow the Executive to meet to consider any proposals which do not accord with the Executive’s recommendations.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that he did not require Council to adjourn to allow Executive to meet discuss any issues arising from the budget.

Report of the Executive Director of Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

To detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2019/20 and the setting of Council Tax for 2019/20.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Council resolves:-

1.1         That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 7 January 2019 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2019/20:

a)            for the whole Council area as 53,876.9 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

b)            For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached Appendix 1.

1.2         That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2019/20 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £6,923,182.

1.3         That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2019/20 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

a)            £117,224,652 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)            £105,174,128 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

c)            £12,050,524 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

d)            £223.67 being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (6(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);

e)            £5,127,342 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2.

f)             £128.50 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T(1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept or special item relates;

1.4      It be noted that for the year 2019/20 the Oxfordshire County Council and  the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley have issued precepts to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below :-

1.5  ...  view the full agenda text for item 98.

Resolved

(1)            That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 7 January 2019 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2019/20:

a)              for the whole Council area as 53,876.9 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

b)              For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

(2)            That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2019/20 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £6,923,182.

(3)            That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2019/20 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

a)              £117,224,652 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)              £105,174,128 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

c)               £12,050,524 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

d)              £223.67 being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (6(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);

e)              £5,127,342 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

f)                £128.50 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T(1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept or special item relates.

(4)      That it be noted that for the year 2019/20 the Oxfordshire County Council and  the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley have issued precepts to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below :-

(5)      That the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts  ...  view the full decision text for item 98.

The Executive Director of Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer submitted a report to detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2019/20 and the setting of Council Tax for 2019/20.

Councillor Ilott introduced and proposed the Council Tax for 2019/20, which was duly seconded by Councillor Wood.

A recorded vote was taken and members voted as follows:

Resolved

(1)            That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 7 January 2019 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2019/20:

a)              for the whole Council area as 53,876.9 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

b)              For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

(2)            That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2019/20 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £6,923,182.

(3)            That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2019/20 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

a)              £117,445,270 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)              £105,391,470 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

c)               £12,053,800 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

d)              £223.73 being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (6(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);

e)              £5,130,618 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

f)                £128.50 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

Report of Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

To provide members with an update on the retail relief scheme announced in the Budget and to seek approval for the Business Rates Retail Relief Policy for 2019-2020.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1          To note the contents of this report.

1.2     To approve the proposed Business Rates Retail Relief Policy (Appendix 1).

Resolved

(1)          That the contents of the report be noted.

(2)          That the Business Rates Retail Relief Policy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

The Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer submitted a report to provide members with an update on the retail relief scheme announced in the Budget and to seek approval for the Business Rates Retail Relief Policy for 2019-2020.

Resolved

(1)          That the contents of the report be noted.

(2)          That the Business Rates Retail Relief Policy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

Report of Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

For members to consider the proposed Local Discretionary Relief Policy and to seek approval for the Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2019-2020.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1          To note the contents of the report.

1.2     To approve the adoption of the local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2019-20 (Appendix 1).

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

(2)          That the adoption of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2019-20 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

The Executive Director Finance and Governance (Interim) & Section 151 Officer submitted a report for members to consider the proposed Local Discretionary Relief Policy and to seek approval for the Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2019-2020.

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

(2)          That the adoption of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Relief Scheme for 2019-20 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.