Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There were no items of urgent business

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2015.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8 September 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

Report of Director of Resources

Purpose of report

To provide members of Budget Planning Committee with an update with regard to participation or otherwise in a business rates pool for 2016-2017.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To note this report.

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

The Director of Resources submitted a report on the Business Rates Pooling Decision 2016-2017 which provided members of the Committee with an update with regard to participation or otherwise in a business rates pool for 2016-2017.

The Head of Finance and Procurement explained that the pooling intentions would be sent to the Government by 31 October 2015 although they had not yet been requested.

Resolved

(1)   That the report be noted.

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Purpose of report

To inform the Budget Planning Committee of the service and financial planning process for 2016/17, the 2016/17 budget strategy and the budget guidelines for service managers to enable the production of the 2016/17 budget. This report is being presented to Executive on 5 October.

The report includes an update on: the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP) and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17.

Recommendations

 The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the contents of the report.

1.2         To note the following recommendations made to Executive on 5 October 2015

(a)          Note the updated MTRP for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21.

(b)          Endorse the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process set out in the report.

(c)          Consider and agree the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (Appendices 1 and 2).

(d)          Endorse the decision to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and delegate authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the lead member for Financial Management to make the final decision on the scheme.

Resolved

(1)               That the report be noted.

(2)               That the following resolutions of the Executive on 5 October 2015 be noted.

·         That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

·         That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process set out in the report be endorsed.

·         That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 be agreed.

·         That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management  to make the final decision on the scheme

The Head of Finance and Procurement introduced a report on the Budget Strategy 2015/2016 and beyond which informed the committee of the service and financial planning process for 2016/17, the 2016/17 budget strategy and the budget guidelines for service managers to enable the production of the 2016/17 budget.

The Head of Finance and Procurement gave a presentation on Finance and the Medium Term Revenue Plan update which outlined items which may be included in the Chancellors’ Autumn Statement.

During the presentation the Head of Finance and Procurement answered questions from the Committee on Formula Grant Reductions, New Homes Bonus, Revenue Support Grant and Business Rates.

The Committee were informed that a review of Capital Slippage was currently taking place and that a thorough review of reserves was also necessary.  These reviews would be presented to the Committee when completed.

Resolved

(1)               That the report be noted.

(2)               That the following resolutions of the Executive on 5 October 2015 be noted.

·         That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

·         That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process set out in the report be endorsed.

·         That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 be agreed.

·         That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management to make the final decision on the scheme

To review the Committee Work Plan.

Resolved

That, subject to the addition of Review of Fees and Charges to November, the work plan be noted.

The Committee considered the work programme for 2015/16.

The Head of Finance and Procurement informed the committee that a fundamental review of Fees and Charges was being undertaken and would be brought to the November meeting.

Resolved

That, subject to the addition of Review of Fees and Charges to November, the work plan be noted.