Agenda and minutes

On behalf of all members and officers, the Mayor extended sincere condolences to Cllrs Ingham and Hussain on their recent bereavements.

To receive, as read, the Minutes of the proceedings of the previous Council meeting, held on 6^th December 2023, and to confirm them or otherwise.

RESOLVED       The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 6^th December 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive any declarations of interest.

To receive communications (if any) from His Worshipful the Mayor.

The Mayor informed the meeting that the annual Holocaust memorial service would take place at 12 noon on Sunday 28th January in the Peace Garden, Croft Street, Burnley.

To receive questions, statements or petitions (if any) from members of the public.

The following member/s of the public addressed the meeting under the right to speak policy:

Debra O’Donnell - Petition in respect of the removal of telegraph broadband poles on the Lower Manor Lane, Healdwood Drive / Close, Lower Mead Drive and Garswood Close estate.

Dale Ferrier – Councillors responsibility to behave in an appropriate manner in meetings.

To consider the recommendation as set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report on the proposed County Combined Authority.  It was moved and seconded that;

‘Full Council ask the Chief Executive to submit a consultation response supporting the proposal without amendments for the following reasons:

·                Supported by businesses

·                Need to get on the first step of the journey, work towards greater local engagement

·                If we aren’t part of it we’ll be left further behind.’

On being put to the vote it was duly RESOLVED.

To consider the latest revised net budget and the net transfers from earmarked reserves.

With regard to Minute 59 of the Executive, consideration was given to the forecast outturn position for the year ending March 2024 based upon actual spending and income to 30th September 2023.

RESOLVED, THAT:

1.    The latest revised net budget of £16.267m as shown in Table 1 be approved, and

2.    The net transfers from earmarked reserves of £5.904m as shown in Appendix 2 be approved.

To consider net budget changes giving a revised capital budget and the proposed financing of the revised capital budget.

With reference to Minute 60 of the Executive, consideration was given to an update on capital expenditure and the resources position.

RESOLVED, THAT:

1.    Net budget changes totalling a decrease of £2,467,058, giving a revised capital budget for 2023/24 totalling £41,657,323, as detailed in Appendix 1 be approved, and

2.    The proposed financing of the revised capital budget totalling £41,657,323 as shown in Appendix 2 be approved.

To consider the proposed fees and charges from 1 April 2024.

With reference to Minute 62 of the Executive, consideration was given to the Fees & Charges Tariff 2024/25.

Under CPR 13(g) an amendment was proposed by Cllr Mark Townsend, seconded by Cllr Sue Graham.

Under CPR13 (j) an adjournment of 10 minutes was moved by Cllr M Lishman and seconded by Cllr Anwar to permit members to consider the amendment.  On being put to the vote it declared to be CARRIED and was RESOLVED accordingly.

The meeting adjourned at 19.55 and resumed at 20.20

On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared to be LOST and it was RESOLVED accordingly.

On the original motion being put to the vote, the original motion was declared to be CARRIED and it was RESOLVED accordingly;

That Full Council approve:

1.    The proposed tariff of fees & charges from 1 April 2024 with an increase of 3% as outlined in Appendix 1 attached, with a range of exceptions as outlined in the report.

2.    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 2024/25 revenue budget.

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

4.    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.

5.    The Council’s Commercial Strategy as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

To consider the quarterly update on the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 in compliance with the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

With reference to Minute 62 of the Executive, consideration was given to the treasury management activity for the first half of the year of 2023/24 covering the period 1st April to 30th September 2023.

RESOLVED, THAT: The mid-year update on Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 be endorsed in compliance with the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management.

To consider a report on the delivery plan.

Having regard to Minute 64 of the Executive, consideration was given to the Food Safety Service Delivery Plan and it was RESOLVED that the plan be approved.

To consider a report on the intervention plan.

Having regard to Minute 65 of the Executive, consideration was given to the Health & Safety Intervention Plan and it was RESOLVED that the plan be approved.

To note the need for and subsequently approve a change to the Council’s representation on an Outside Body.

Consideration was given to a report setting out constitutional amendments, reporting and appointments to committees.

RESOLVED, THAT:

1.    Council note the required change in appointment to Burnley Together Steering Group.

2.    As a consequence of 1 above that Cllr Jack Launer be appointed to the Burnley Together Steering Group.

To consider a scheme to allow the appointment of substitute members to Committees (other than the Executive).

Consideration was given to the approval of a General Substitute Scheme.

RESOLVED, THAT:

1.    The General Substitute Scheme be approved; and

2.    That the additions to the Constitution at Appendix 2 be approved.

RESOLVED: That the reports of the committee chairs be noted.

To consider progress against the Council’s Strategic Commitments.

RESOLVED: That the Executive Members’ Strategic Plan Progress Reports be noted.

To deal with questions (if any) relating to matters not contained in the Minutes before the Council and of which notice in writing has been received in accordance with Standing Order No. 10(2).

None were received.