Agenda and minutes

Venue: Remote Meetings - livestream on Youtube

Contact: Eric Dickinson/Alison McEwan  Democracy Officers

Items
No. Item

66.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 258 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on xx 2017

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the last meeting held on the 8 December 2020 were approved.

67.

Noting of Individual Executive Member Decisions

To note the following Individual Executive Member Decision made since the last meeting;

Free after 3 Parking Initiative- 120121

Minutes:

That the following Individual Executive Member Decision made since the last meeting was noted;

Free after 3 Parking Initiative-120221

68.

Additional Items of Business

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

 

Minutes:

That an additional item of business regarding Additional Restrictions Grant, by reason of special circumstances to enable the Council to respond quickly to support businesses affected by the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions, be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

That this be considered as a public item, as Item 17a) on the agenda.

69.

Constitutional Reporting Minutes and Public Reports of Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decisions pdf icon PDF 991 KB

To note Constitutional Reporting of Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decisions by the Chief Executive regarding the public reports and minutes for the following;

Appx 1-210520 Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme (LADGS)

Appx 2-010620 LADGS Amended

Appx 3-131020 Covid Acceptance Grant

Appx 4-281020 Temporary (Compliance) Planning Officer (Minute only, Private Report later in agenda)

Appx 5-080121 Additional Restrictions Grant

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Constitutional Reporting of Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decisions by the Chief Executive be noted regarding the public reports and minutes for the following;

Appx 1-210520 Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme (LADGS)

Appx 2-010620 LADGS Amended

Appx 3-131020 Covid Acceptance Grant

Appx 4-281020 Temporary (Compliance) Planning Officer (Minute only, Private Report later in agenda)

Appx 5-080121 Additional Restrictions Grant

70.

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2020/21 Q3 pdf icon PDF 678 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose

To report the forecast outturn position for the year as at 31 March 2021 based upon actual spending and income to 31 December 2020.

 

Reason for Decision

To give consideration to the level of revenue spending and income in 2020/21 as part of the effective governance of the Council and to ensure that appropriate management action is taken to ensure a balanced financial position.

 

Decision.

(1)  That the projected revenue budget forecast position be noted of a net overspend of £1.09m (excluding potential collection fund losses).  An estimated £1.04m is to be received through the sales, fees and charges income compensation scheme which would reduce the forecast net overspend of £49k, as summarised in Table 1 and detailed in Appendix 1;

 

(2)  That it be noted that the in-year collection fund losses will not impact on the current financial year but will be spread over the next three financial years (2021/24) in line with the Government’s proposed change to legislation.  Burnley’s share of the current in year collection fund loss is estimated at £1.1m;

 

(3)   That it be noted that the Council, along with other District Council’s and industry groups continue to lobby Central Government for additional funding;

 

(4)  That it be recommended to seek approval from Full Council for the latest revised net budget of £15.693m as shown in Table 1; and

     

 

(5)  That it be recommended to seek approval from Full Council for the net transfers to earmarked reserves of £1.334m as shown in Appendix 2.

71.

Capital Budget Monitoring 2020/21 Q3 pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To provide Members with an update on capital expenditure and the resources position along with highlighting any variances.

 

Reason for Decision.

To effectively manage the 2020/21 capital programme.

 

Decision.

(1)  That it be recommended to Full Council, approval of net budget changes totalling a decrease of £2,902,750 giving a revised capital budget for 2020/21 totalling £14,476,665 as detailed in Appendix 1;

 

(2)  That it be recommended to Full Council, approval of the proposed financing of the revised capital budget totalling £14,476,665 as shown in Appendix 2; and

 

(3)  That the latest estimated year end position be noted on capital receipts and contributions showing an assumed balance of £1,531,092 at 31 March 2021 as shown in Appendix 3.

72.

Strategic Plan 2021 pdf icon PDF 131 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To seek Executive endorsement of the Strategic Plan (Appendix 1).

An amendment to PL3 was considered regarding additional words.

 

Reason for Decision.

The Strategic Plan presents a clear vision for the future: one that is evidence based, shared by all units of the Council, and is in tune with the aspirations of local people.

 

Decision.

That it be recommended to Full Council to seek approval for the Strategic Plan (Appendix 1), amended to include the following additional words at the end of PL3 ``...and reduce the blight of empty properties``.

73.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2025/26 Including Reserves Strategy pdf icon PDF 225 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To consider the longer-term financial outlook within the context of a Medium-Term Financial Strategy covering the financial years 2022/23 to 2025/26, highlighting uncertainties, underlying risks and make recommendations to Council.  The Medium-Term Financial Strategy should be read in conjunction with the Revenue Budget 2021/22 and the associated statutory report of the Chief Finance Officer.

 

Reason for Decision.

Professional accounting practice recommends that a medium-term financial strategy is in place to ensure that resources are aligned to strategic intent and business objectives.  It also provides a firm and robust basis on which to prepare the annual budget.  Given the current financial climate, the need for consideration of the medium-term financial position is pertinent to ensuring sustainable service delivery and for the Council to remain viable as a going concern.

 

Decision.

That it be recommended to full Council to:

 

(1)  Approve the latest Medium-Term Financial Strategy;

 

(2)  Approve the Reserves Strategy, as appended to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy; and

 

(3)  Note that a refreshed document will be provided when required as an aid to monitoring the continued delivery of an annually balanced budget.

74.

Revenue Budget 2021/22 Including Savings Proposals pdf icon PDF 559 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To consider the estimates of revenue income and expenditure for 2021/22 and to make recommendations to full Council about next year’s Revenue Budget.

 

Reason for Decision.

To fulfil the Council’s statutory obligation to calculate its Council Tax requirement as set out in Section 31A of the Local Government Act 1992 (as amended by section 74 of the Localism Act 2011).

 

To set a balanced budget for the financial year 2021/22 that ensures the viability of the Council and aligns resources to the Council’s strategic priorities.

 

 Decision.

That Full Council be recommended to:

 

(1)  Endorse the approach that has been adopted in developing budget proposals that reflect the Council’s Strategic Objectives for 2021/22;

 

(2)  Approve the proposals contained in this report;

 

(3)  Set a Council Tax Requirement of £7,266,131 for the financial year 2021/22;

 

(4)  Set a Net Budget Requirement of £15,415,612 for 2021/22;

 

(5)  Receive and consider the statutory report issued by the Head of Finance and Property under the Local Government Act, 2003;

 

(6)  Authorise the Chief Operating Officer/Heads of Service to progress action plans to deliver the 2021/22 budget; and

 

(7)  Approve a Council Tax (Band D) figure of £312.28 for this Council for the year commencing 1st April 2021 and adopt the statutory resolution to set the full Council Tax for the year. This is equivalent to a 1.99% Council tax increase.

75.

Capital Budget 2021/22 and Capital Investment Programme 2021/26 pdf icon PDF 171 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To recommend approval of the capital budget for 2021/22.

 

Reason for Decision.

To establish a capital budget that reflects the Council’s overall priorities and provides a framework for capital spending to be undertaken during 2021/22.

 

Decision.

(a)  That Full Council be recommended to:

 

(1)  Approve the 2021/22 Capital Budget, totalling £18,792,347, as set out in Appendix 1;

 

(2)  Note the 2021-26 Capital Investment Programme as set out in Appendix 1; and

 

(3)  Note the estimated position on capital resources as set out in Appendix 2.

 

(b)   That subject to (a) (1) above that the Executive approves the release of capital scheme budgets including slippage from 2020/21, subject to compliance with the Financial Procedure Rules and that there will be full compliance with Standing Orders for Contracts; and

 

(c)  That Full Council be recommended to approve the Capital Strategy 2021-26, as set out in Appendix 4.

76.

Treasury Management Strategy 2021/22 and Prudential Treasury Indicators pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To comply with the amended Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2011.

To outline a treasury management strategy statement for the financial year 2021/22.

To set out prudential indicators for the financial years 2021/24 in line with the CIPFA’s Prudential Code 2017.

To seek approval for the Council’s Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement for the financial year 2021/22 in accordance with Government regulations.

 

Reason for Decision.

        To provide the proper basis required by current Government regulations and

guidance to make charges for debt repayment (MRP) to the Council’s revenue account.    

To fulfil statutory and regulatory requirements and to provide a clear framework for local authority capital finance and treasury management.

  

 Decision.

     That Full Council be recommended to approve;

 

(1)    The treasury management strategy statement for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1;

 

(2)    The prudential and treasury indicators for 2021/22 to 2023/24 per Appendix 2 including the authorised limit for external debt of £61.103m in 2021/22;

 

(3)    The list of Counterparties for Deposits outlined within Appendix 3; and

 

(4)  The Council’s MRP Statement for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 4 of this report.  

77.

Localism Act 2011- Pay Policy Statement 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 155 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Purpose.

To seek approval for the Council’s Pay Policy Statement which is required to be published prior to the end of March each year.

An additional amendment was considered regarding the Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020 as referred to in Paragraph 10 of the report.

 

Reason for Decision.

 The Localism Act 2011 – [Chapter 8 - Pay Accountability], requires all local authorities to set out its position on a range of issues relating to the remuneration of its employees.  The Pay Policy Statement must be approved by the Council in open forum, by the end of March each year and then be published on its website.

 

Decision.

 

That Full Council be recommended, as amended, to;

(1)  Approve this report and the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2021/22;

(2)  Note the Council’s Gender Pay Gap report which is at Appendix H of the Pay Policy Statement; and

(3)  As amended, to additionally note the mandatory HM Treasury Directions issued on 12 February 2021 whereby the 95,000 pounds exit payment referred to in Paragraph 10 of this report was disapplied.

 

78.

Additional Restrictions Grant

Minutes:

Purpose.

The purpose of the report is to seek approval to amend and expand the criteria of the Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme approved on 13th November 2020 and amended on 8th January 2021.

Members were advised that in Paragraph 5 of the report the reference to 2010 should read 2020.

An amendment was considered to the delegation in Paragraph 2 (f) of the report.

 

Reason for Decision.

In line with government’s expectations Burnley Council approved a discretionary Additional Restrictions grant scheme on the 14 November 2020 to help those businesses which are severely impacted by the restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19 but are not eligible for either LRSG (closed) or LRSG (Open). The scheme was amended on 8 January 2021 to reflect the on-going restrictions and national restrictions introduced on the 31 December 2020 and 4 January 2021 respectively.

 

In setting the criteria the Council sought to cover as many businesses as possible and set out a scheme that was fair and proportionate to the size and scale of businesses affected. In line with the national guidance the scheme cannot be used solely for salary costs and businesses must be able to demonstrate some on-going business overheads. As the national lockdown has been extended it has become clear that a wider range of businesses and organisations are being affected that are not eligible under the scheme or are experiencing greater hardship as a result of the extended national restrictions period. Various changes and recommendations are set out in this report to reflect this

 

 The Night Club top up reflects the fact that they have had to remain closed since March 2010 but have not received the same level of government support as wet pubs. The prolonged closure is having a disproportionate impact on the sector.

 

 The proposed grant closure date will enable the Council to take stock of the scheme taking into consideration funds available and the roadmap for re-opening expected to be announced in mid-February. Applications already approved and eligible applications received by the closing date will receive payments under the current criteria. The scheme or a revised scheme may re-open for further applicationssubject to resources and following the review.

 

In order to be flexible to further changes in restrictions and to individual specific business circumstances it is recommended that authority is delegated to Strategic Head of Economy and Growth and Head of Finance and Property in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Growth.

 

Decision.

(1) That the amended eligibility criteria and grant rates as set out in Appendix 1 be approved;

(2) That a one off top up grant for Nightclub businesses as set out in paragraph 13 be approved;

(3) That an amendment to criteria for the Hardship Grant scheme set out in paragraph 15 be approved;

(4) That a grant application closure date of Friday 26th February 2021 be authorised;

(5) That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Head of Economy and Growth and Head  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

79.

Exclusion of the Public

To determine during which items, if any, the public are to be excluded from the meeting and to consider the exclusion of the public from the meeting before discussion takes place on the following items of business on the grounds that in view of the nature of the business to be transacted if the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information within the meaning of Part VA of the Local Government Act 1972

Minutes:

That the public be excluded from the meeting before discussion takes place related to Minute 80 on the grounds that in view of the nature of the business to be transacted if the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information within the meaning of Part VA of the Local Government Act 1972 relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

80.

Constitutional Reporting of Private Report for Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decision

To note Constitutional Reporting of Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decisions by the Chief Executive regarding the private reports for the following;

Appx 4-281020 Temporary (Compliance) Planning Officer (Private Report only, Minute earlier in agenda)

 

Minutes:

That the Constitutional Reporting of Urgent Officer Delegated (Executive) Decisions by the Chief Executive be noted regarding the private report for the following;

Appx 4-281020 Temporary (Compliance) Planning Officer (Private Report only, Minute earlier in agenda)