Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

      i.        That the expected Central Government funding levels be noted.

     ii.        That the estimated position on the Collection Fund and how this will be funded be noted.

    iii.        That the Council Tax increase for 2019/20 be in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

   iv.        That the position relating to the General Fund balance be noted and, that due to the risks identified, a minimum balance of £1.96 million is recommended.

    v.        That the increase in the 2018/19 working budget of £116k be approved, the expected impact in 2019/20 of a £164k reduction in budget be noted.

   vi.        That the requests for the carry-forward of budget of £41k from 2018/19 to 2019/20 be agreed.

  vii.        That the inclusion of the efficiencies and investment be approved.

 viii.        That the savings target in future years be noted.

   ix.        That the Service Director – Resources reflect the following inclusions and consequential amendments into the budget to be presented to Council:

a.    Electric Vehicle Charging Points - A sum of £15k be added to the 2019/2020 budget to engage suitable consultants in order to progress this element within the proposed action plan of the Parking Strategy.

b.    North Hertfordshire Transport Users Forum – That a one off sum of £50k be allocated in the 2019/2020 budget to enable this Forum.

c.    North Hertfordshire Ethnic Minority Forum – That a one off grant of £25k in 2019/20 be allocated to allow for its restructure (subject to formal confirmation of its Terms of Reference).

d.    Regarding Appendix B of the submitted report, ‘Revenue Efficiencies and Investment Proposals’ – that funding for the ‘Area Wide Parking Reviews’ (reference E2) not be removed from the budget for 2020/2021 onwards and it be renamed to reflect that it will be used to undertake reviews of the transport implications of the town centre strategies.  The saving in 2019/20 to be retained.  

RECOMMENDS TO COUNCIL

That the estimated 2019/20 net expenditure of £15.2 million, as amended, and as detailed in the amended Appendix A (see addendum report) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure that all relevant factors are taken into consideration when arriving at the

proposed Council Tax precept for 2019/20.

To ensure that the Cabinet recommends a balanced budget to Council on 7 February 2019.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 1 hour 18 minutes 0 seconds

Councillor Cunningham the Executive Member for Finance and IT and Anthony Roche presented the report of the Service Director - Resources which sought approval to recommend to Council the budget for 2019/20 and the main factors which contribute to the determination of the North Hertfordshire district Council (NHDC) Council Tax level.

Following discussion the Leader of the Council moved the recommendations with alterations and it was

RESOLVED:

1. That the expected Central Government funding levels be noted.

2. That the estimated position on the Collection Fund and how this will be funded be noted.

3. That the Council Tax increase for 2019/20 be in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

4. That the position relating to the General Fund balance be noted and, that due to the risks identified, a minimum balance of £1.96 million is recommended.

5. That the increase in the 2018/19 working budget of £116k be approved, the expected impact in 2019/20 of a £164k reduction in budget be noted.

6. That the requests for the carry-forward of budget of £41k from 2018/19 to 2019/20 be agreed.

7. That the inclusion of the efficiencies and investment be approved.

8. That the savings target in future years be noted.

9. That the Service Director – Resources reflect the following inclusions and consequential amendments into the budget to be presented to Council:

a.    Electric Vehicle Charging Points - A sum of £15k be added to the 2019/2020 budget to engage suitable consultants in order to progress this element within the proposed action plan of the Parking Strategy.

b.    North Hertfordshire Transport Users Forum – That a one off sum of £50k be allocated in the 2019/2020 budget to enable this Forum.

c.    North Hertfordshire Ethnic Minority Forum – That a one off grant of £25k in 2019/20 be allocated to allow for its restructure (subject to formal confirmation of its Terms of Reference).

d.    Regarding Appendix B of the submitted report, ‘Revenue Efficiencies and Investment Proposals’ – that funding for the ‘Area Wide Parking Reviews’ (reference E2) not be removed from the budget for 2020/2021 onwards and it be renamed to reflect that it will be used to undertake reviews of the transport implications of the town centre strategies.  The saving in 2019/20 to be retained. 

RECOMMENDS TO COUNCIL

That the estimated 2019/20 net expenditure of £15.2 million, as amended, and as detailed in the amended Appendix A (see addendum report) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure that all relevant factors are taken into consideration when arriving at the proposed Council Tax precept for 2019/20.

To ensure that the Cabinet recommends a balanced budget to Council on 7 February 2019.