Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting.

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

In accordance with the Regulations, Members are required to declare any personal or personal and prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests in respect of items on this agenda and/or indicate if S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Members should consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda represent a conflict with any interests previously declared or new interests.  They should also consider whether their register of interests requires updating as a result of any new undeclared interests.  It is a requirement in law that any new or changed interests are declared within 28 days.  It is incumbent on Members to notify Officers of these changes.

There were no declarations of interest.

To determine during which items, if any, the public are to be excluded from the meeting.

Exclusion of the press and public to be as set out in the agenda.

To consider the report and make appropriate recommendations to Full Council.

PURPOSE

1.    The Gambling Act 2005 requires each Licensing Authority to update the Gambling Policy Statement at least every 3 years.

2.    The Burnley BC Statement needs to be revised, updated and published before the 1^st  January 2025.

3.    There is a requirement that the policy is subject to appropriate consultation.

REASON FOR DECISION

The Statement of Gambling Policy is part of the Council’s policy framework and it must be approved at Full Council to comply with the statutory 3 year review timetable.

DECISION

That Executive recommend to Full Council approval of the Gambling Policy Statement at Appendix A for implementation on the 1^st January 2025.

To seek approval to accept funding for, and the delivery plan for HSF6 and Affordable Warmth Grant.

PURPOSE

To seek approval to deliver a sixth Household Support Fund scheme (HSF6) and the Affordable Warmth Grant.

 REASON FOR DECISION

 To continue to support the most vulnerable during the continued cost of living crisis.

DECISION

1.    To approve acceptance of the £506,148 from Lancashire County Council and to approve the delivery plan for HSF6.

2.    To delegate authority to the Head of Policy and Engagement to agree and sign the MOU with Lancashire County Council to deliver HSF6.

To seek approval for the Communications Strategy 2024-26.

PURPOSE

To implement the revised communications strategy for 2024 to 2026 to ensure effective internal and external communications.

DECISION

To approve the Communication Strategy 2024 to 2026.

REASONS FOR DECISION

1.    To deliver effective communication and community engagement to ensure customers know what the council and its key partners do and how they can readily access and shape local services.

2.    To encourage two-way communication which ensures:

•    our staff, customers, members and stakeholders are well informed about the work of the council so that they can influence, challenge and support this work.

•    our customers have a positive experience of interacting with the council which will reduce avoidable contact and increase customer satisfaction.

To seek approval to proceed with consultation on a new draft of the Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE

To seek the Executive’s approval to proceed with a consultation on a new draft of the Strategic Plan.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Strategic Plan provides a unified direction for all Council functions, ensuring a cohesive response to community needs and aspirations.

DECISION

That the Executive agrees to a 6-week consultation period on the draft Strategic Plan which will conclude in early January 2025.

To report the forecast outturn position for the year ending 31^st March 2025 based on actual expenditure to 30^th September 2024.

PURPOSE

1.    To report the forecast outturn position for the year ending 31 March 2025 based upon actual spending and income to 30 September 2024.

2.    Members are asked to note the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Council budgets.  In view of the ongoing economic challenges, forecasts remain under review and are subject to change as the impact on the economy continues to unfold. Updates will be provided to Members through the established quarterly budget monitoring process, and also via monthly reports to Executive Members.

REASON FOR DECISION

To give consideration to the level of revenue spending and income in 2024/25 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

The Executive RESOLVED to:

a.   Note the projected revenue budget forecast position of a net overspend of £98k, which is expected to break even by the end of the financial year. The net overspend of £98k has reduced from a forecast net overspend of £176k as reported at Quarter 1.

AND to seek approval from Full Council for:

b.   The latest revised net budget of £18.987m as shown in Table 1, and the net transfers to date from earmarked reserves of £4.694m

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

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 2024/25 capital programme.

DECISION

The Executive RESOLVED to:

a.    Recommend to Full Council, approval of net budget changes totalling a net decrease of (£832,861) giving a revised capital budget for 2024/25 totalling £30,237,436.

b.    Recommend to Full Council, approval of the proposed financing of the revised capital budget totalling £30,237,436.

c.    Note the latest estimated year end position on capital receipts and contributions showing an assumed balance of £4,192,091 as at 31 March 2025 as shown in Appendix 3.

To report treasury management activity for the first half of 2024/25 covering the period 1 April to 30 September 2024.

PURPOSE

To report treasury management activity for the first half of 2024/25 covering the period 1 April to 30 September 2024.

REASON FOR DECISION

To inform members of the treasury management activity in the first half of 2024/25 and to fulfil statutory and regulatory requirements.

DECISION

The Executive RESOLVED to;

1.    Note the treasury management activities undertaken during the period 1 April to 30 September 2024, and;

Recommend that Full Council;

2.    Endorse the quarterly update on the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 in compliance with the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

To inform Members of the Council’s proposed fees and charges from 1 April 2025.  Proposals of an increase of 2% are being presented in the report for members to consider.

PURPOSE

To inform Members of the Council’s proposed fees and charges from 1 April 2025.  Proposals of an increase of 2% are being presented in the report for members to consider.

REASON FOR DECISION

1.    To set the Council’s fees and charges from 1 April 2025 and assist in finalising the 2025/26 budget process.

2.    To carry out an annual review of the Council’s Commercial Strategy.

DECISION

That the Executive approve and recommend to Full Council to endorse:

1.    The proposed tariff of fees & charges from 1 April 2025 with an increase of 2% as outlined in Appendix 1, with a range of exceptions as outlined in the report, which has been reduced from the proposed 3% increase reported in the MTFS mid-year update in September 2024,

2.    Cessation of the discretionary commercial pest control service,

3.    Authorisation to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the relevant Head of Service, to determine any new charges or changes to existing charges relating to the preparation and approval of the 2025/26 revenue budget,

4.    Authorisation to Executive Portfolio Members to amend fees & charges periodically in their own area with the agreement of the Director of Resources,

5.    Authorisation to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance Management, to determine the bus station departure charges applicable from 1st April, to be calculated once the overall bus station budget has been determined each year, 

6.    Authorisation to the Director of Economy and Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance Management and the Director of Resources, to adjust fees and charges in relation to the Markets service from time to time to reflect current trading conditions and the overall position of the market, and

7.    The Council’s Commercial Strategy.