Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the Key Decisions to be taken for the period November 2017 to February 2018.

Members noted the Notice of Key Decisions and Private Meetings.

To receive a report setting out the Council’s treasury management activity between 1^st April and 30^th September 2017.

Members considered the report, which outlined treasury management activity for the period 01/04/17 to 30/09/17.  The report also detailed proposed changes to the maximum amount deposited with a specific lender, and to consider investment in property portfolios.

Members asked the following:

·         What was the anticipated effect of Bank of England interest rate increases.  There was the expectation of a gradual increase in interest rates over the next 2-3 years.

·         Would any property portfolios selected be UK based or international?  Any selected after careful appraisal would be UK based portfolios.

·         Does the Council hold records as to whether investments are in Ethical funds?  This isn’t part of the information recorded, but the majority of investments were with UK banks.

To receive a report detailing the Council’s proposed fees and charges from 1^st January 2018 – 31^st December 2018.

The Head of Finance presented the report, and outlined the following amendments:

p35/36

Amendments were made to the fees and charges in respect of burials and cremations as follows

i. No charge for cremation or interment for babies up to 12 months old

ii. From 1 year to 17 years the charge will be £202 for cremation and £298 for

burial.

p42

Amendments were made to the fees and charges in Appendix A (page 8) in respect of contract parking charges showing an increase of 2% (and not 2.5%)

IT WAS AGREED

That Members noted the report as amended.

To receive an update on capital expenditure and resources position as at 30^th September 2017.

Members received the second round of in-year cyclical monitoring, which provided Members with the position as at 30th September 2017 on expenditure, along with providing Members with an update on the progress of the individual scheme delivery through the attached appendices.

Members discussed the following:

·         Town Centre Refurbishment – was this the final expected cost of the scheme.  Yes, the figure represented the total expected scheme costs.

IT WAS AGREED

That the report be noted.

To receive a report which outlines the forecast outturn position for the year to 31st March 2018, based upon actual expenditure and income to 30^th September 2017.

Members received the second in-year revenue budget report for 2017/18 which projected revenue budget forecast underspend of £73k.

IT WAS AGREED

That the report be noted.

To receive an update on the work of any active Scrutiny Review Groups.

Environmental Enforcement – a meeting had been held with Joanne Swift and Jonathan Jackson.  Members discussed the performance of the scheme and other outputs.  Members recommended that should a procurement of a similar scheme be undertaken that significant focus be given to dog fouling in any specification.

Dementia – An initial meeting had taken place at which some parameters had been set, and a date agreed to meet with external agencies.  It was pointed out that there was a clash with a Mayors Charity event, so it was agreed to change the date from December to early January.

Further projects had been identified for future reviews. 

To consider any additions to the draft Work Plan for 2017/18.

The work programme was noted, with the addition of review groups on 29^th November.