Issue - decisions

(Note: This item constituted a Key Decision in part where proposed increases in fees and charges contained in the report were greater than five percent (Attachment D, Appendix 6a refers).  Other decisions emanating from the report would require final approval by Council on 21 February 2023.  This was reflected in this Decisions Notice accordingly).

Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process)

(21 February 2023):

1.           The revenue and capital budget for 2023 to 2027, plus 2022 to 2023 capital projects that subsequently require to be carried forward at the year end, attached at Attachment A and as detailed in Attachment D (Appendices 1-5), Attachment E, and Attachment F to Report number CAB/WS/23/008, be approved.

2.           Having taken into account the conclusions of the Director’s (Resources and Property) report on the adequacy of reserves and the robustness of budget estimates (Attachment C) and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Attachment D), particularly the Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis (Attachment D, Appendix 5) and all other information contained in Report number: CAB/WS/23/008, the Cabinet recommends the level of council tax for 2023 to 2024 be established at £192.06 for an average band D property  (the level of council tax beyond April 2024 will be set in accordance with the annual budget process for the relevant financial year).

3.           The Director (Resources and Property), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Property, be authorised to vire funds between existing Earmarked Reserves (as set out at Attachment D, Appendix 3) as deemed appropriate throughout the medium term financial planning period.

4.           The Director (Resources and Property) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Property, be given delegated authority to formulate and implement in full, Government grant, discount or relief schemes (examples include but not limited to those set out in paragraphs 3.13-3.19 and 4.7-4.9 of Report number CAB/WS/23/008), so long as they are as a minimum, revenue cost neutral to the Council.

5.           The change to the Long Term Empty Property Premium set out in paragraphs 4.10 to 4.13, and to the further class of property not attracting the premium set out in paragraph 4.12 of Report number CAB/WS/23/008, be approved.

Resolved:

That:

6.           The fees and charges price increases (as set out in Attachment D appendix 6a of Report number CAB/WS/23/008), be approved.

Recommended to Council (as part of the budget setting process)

(21 February 2023):

That:

7.           The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy (as set out in Attachment F to Report number CAB/WS/23/008), be approved.