To sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 22 November and 13 December 2021. [Minute Book Vol 48(4)]
To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Executive on 20 December 2021 (Copy Minutes herewith)
(Key Decision – KD.10/21) To consider the Minutes of the following Budget Consultation meetings:
(Copy Minutes to follow)
(a) Minutes of the Business and Transformation Scrutiny Panel in relation to the Budget – 6 January 2022
(b) Minutes of the budget consultation meeting with Trade Union Representatives – 10 January 2022
(c) Minutes of the budget consultation meeting with Non-Domestic Ratepayers / Business Representatives – 10 January 2022 (d) Feedback received in response to the budget consultation process
DECISION 1. That the Minutes of the consultation meetings with Trade Union representatives; representatives of Non-Domestic Ratepayers / Business Representatives, attached as Appendices B and C; and the Extract from the Minutes of the Business and Transformation Scrutiny Panel be received.
2. That the consultation feedback be received, it being noted that the Executive had taken those comments into account when formulating their final recommendations for the City Council's 2022/23 Budget to be submitted later in the meeting.
Reasons for Decision To take account of consultation feedback when formulating recommendations on the 2022/23 Budget.
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit an update to reports RD.46/21 and RD.52/21, with a summary of the Council’s revised revenue base estimates for 2021/22, together with base estimates for 2022/23 and forecasts up to 2026/27 for illustrative purposes. Potential new spending pressures, bids and savings are also considered in this report. (Copy Report RD.64/21 herewith)
(Key Decision - KD.10/21) **(In accordance with Paragraph 15(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, The Mayor had agreed that call-in procedures should not be applied to this item) Portfolio Finance, Governance and Resources Relevant Scrutiny Panel Business and Transformation Scrutiny Panel Subject Matter The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder submitted report RD.64/21 providing an update to reports RD.46/21 and RD.52/21, with a summary of the Council's revised revenue base estimates for 2021/22, together with base estimates for 2022/23 and forecasts up to 2026/27 for illustrative purposes. Potential new spending, bids and savings were also considered within the report. It was noted that the figures within the report incorporated the provisional finance settlement received on 16 December 2021. The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder moved the recommendations which were seconded by the Leader.
Summary of options rejected none DECISION The Executive:
(i) noted the revised base estimates for 2021/22 and base estimates for 2022/23; (ii)·noted that the estimates in the report were provisional and would be subject to the confirmation of the final Local Government Finance Settlement in January/February 2022; (iii)·noted the current MTFP projections and the outstanding issues, which would continue to be updated throughout the budget process and be incorporated into the Executive’s budget proposals tabled at the meeting, if available; (iv) noted the budget pressures, bids and savings which need to be taken into account as part of the 2022/23 budget process. Reasons for Decision To prepare a draft budget proposal for 2022/23 for recommendation to the City Council.
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit an update to reports RD.47/21 and RD.55/21, summarising the revised capital programme for 2021/22 together with the proposed method of financing as set out in Appendices A and B. The report also summarises the proposed programme for 2022/23 to 2026/27 in the light of new capital proposals identified and summarises the estimated capital resources available to fund the programme. (Copy Report RD.65/21 herewith)
(Key Decision - KD.10/21) **(In accordance with Paragraph 15(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, The Mayor had agreed that call-in procedures should not be applied to this item)
As a Member of the Business and Transformation Scrutiny Panel , Councillor Allison, asked if the increased income at the Crematorium could be used to fund the replacement of the cremator. He also asked if consideration could be given to the establishment of an undertaker on the grounds. The Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder reported that the Business Case for the replacement of the cremator was being prepared, the change to an electric powered cremator would significantly reduce the carbon footprint, however, the Business Case had to support the change. The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder highlighted the need to make savings and made assurances that a project of this size would be taken to Overview and Scrutiny. The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder concluded his presentation by moving the recommendations set out, which were seconded by the Leader. Summary of options rejected none DECISION That the Executive:
(i) noted the revised capital programme and relevant financing for 2021/22 as set out in Appendices A and B;
(ii) gave initial consideration and views on the proposed capital spending for 2022/23 to 2026/27 given in the report in the light of the estimated available resources;
(iii) noted that any capital scheme for which funding has been approved by Council may only proceed after a full report, including business case and financial appraisal, had been approved. Reasons for Decision To prepare a draft budget proposal for 2022/23 for recommendation to the City Council.
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit an update to report RD.53/21 setting out the Council’s draft Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management. The Investment Strategy and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy for 2022/23 are also incorporated as part of the Statement. So too are the Prudential Indicators as required within the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. (Copy Report RD.66/21 and Minute Excerpts herewith / to follow)
(Key Decision - KD.10/21)
**(In accordance with Paragraph 15(i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, The Mayor had agreed that call-in procedures should not be applied to this item)
Portfolio Finance, Governance and Resources Relevant Scrutiny Panel Business and Transformation Subject Matter The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder submitted report RD.66/21 setting out the Council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23 which had been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management. He added that the Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy for 2022/23 were incorporated as part of the Statement, as were the Prudential Indicators as required within the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. The draft Statement had been considered by the Executive on 20 December 2021 prior to the consultation period on the Executive Budget Proposals for 2022/23. It had also been considered by the Audit Committee and the Business and Transformation Scrutiny Panel on 10 December 2021 and 6 January 2022 respectively (Minute Excerpts AUC.67/21 and BTSP.08/22 referred) and their comments would be included in the final version considered by Council on 1 February 2022. The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder then moved the recommendation, which was seconded by the Leader. Summary of options rejected None
DECISION That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2022/23, which incorporated the Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Strategy, together with the Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 as set out in Appendix A and the Treasury Management Policy Statement as set out in Appendix D, be approved for submission to the City Council on 1 February 2022. Reasons for Decision
To recommend the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Strategy for 2022/23 to the City Council.
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit a report providing an analysis of the Provisional Finance Settlement received for 2022/23 and the impact this has on the Council’s Revenue Budget. (Copy Report RD.67/21 herewith)
Portfolio Finance, Governance and Resources Relevant Scrutiny Panel Business and Transformation
Subject Matter The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder submitted report RD.67/21 providing an analysis of the 2022/23 Provisional Finance Settlement received from Central Government on 16 December 2021 and the impact it had on the Council's Revenue budget. A consultation document which outlined the government’s approach in allocating funding for the local government finance settlement had also been provided, which sought views by 13 January 2022. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) had confirmed the referendum limits for 2022/23; and for District Councils, that was 2% or £5, whichever was the greater. Members were asked to note that the DLUHC had confirmed the continuation of Cumbria’s Business Rate Pool for 2022/23, but as that was integral to the provisional finance settlement, pool members had 28 days (from 16 December 2021) to decide whether they formally wished to be designated as part of the pool. Details of the amendments to the revenue budget as a result of the provisional finance settlement were provided at Section 2.
The Finance, Governance and Resources then moved the recommendations as recorded within the report. Summary of options rejected None
DECISION That the Executive:
(i) noted and had considered the updated budget projections, in respect of the Provisional Finance Settlement which was received on 16 December 2021, noting that the overall financial impact formed part of the Revenue report considered elsewhere on the agenda; and (ii) delegated responsibility to the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to respond, if required, to the Local Government Finance Settlement consultation document, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Resources. Reasons for Decision To seek Executive consideration of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2022/23.
(Key Decision - KD.10/21) The Executive to propose their response to the Budget consultation and the Executive’s recommendations on the General Fund and Capital Estimates for 2022/23 for submission to the City Council on 1 February 2022. (Copy Proposal to be tabled at the meeting) Background Papers - various financial reports being considered as part of the Budget process are available on the Council's website - https://carlisle.cmis.uk.com/ Members and Officers are asked to bring their copy of the bound Budget Book issued under cover of a letter from the Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services dated 12 November 2021 to this meeting.
Relevant Scrutiny Panel Business and Transformation Subject Matter The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder referred to the Executive's Budget Proposals for 2022/23 (19 January 2022), copies of which were tabled at the meeting. The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder highlighted, in particular the non recurring changes which had been made in response to the consultation process:
- £10,000 to support mental health provision - £50,000 for Jubilee celebrations - £125,000 car parking - £20,000 anti-social behaviour - £250,000 in capital programme for Play areas The Culture, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio thanked officers and Portfolio Holders for enabling the allocation for the Jubilee celebrations, he also commented that he was pleased to see that the Fireshow would make a welcome return to the 2022 Community Event Calendar. The Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder highlighted the importance of the health and wellbeing of young people and welcomed the additional £250,000 to the capital programme for the replacement and upgrade of play areas. The Portfolio Holder also welcomed the additional funding to support anti social behaviour issues and the £10,000 which would support mental health provision within the district. The Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder reported that car parking played an important role in supporting the City moving out of the pandemic. To assist the retail centre and increase the footfall the Executive would look at proposals to review the car parking offer within the City.
The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder concluded his presentation by moving the recommendation that the Executive Budget Proposals for 2022/23 be forwarded to the City Council for approval on 1 February 2022. Summary of options rejected A number of options which had been considered as part of the Council’s 2022/23 budget deliberations as identified in various reports.
DECISION That the Executive Budget Proposals for 2022/23, attached as Appendix D, be forwarded to the City Council for approval on 1 February 2022. Reasons for Decision
To produce the Executive's budget proposals for 2022/23 for recommendation to the City Council.
(Non Key Decision) The Notice of Executive Key Decisions, published on 17 December 2021, is submitted for information.
The Corporate Director of Economic Development was scheduled to submit a private report regarding the Central Plaza Development Site Options (Key decision – KD.01/22). However, work is ongoing on development options for the site and the matter has been deferred. (Copy Notice herewith)
(Non Key Decision) Portfolio Cross-Cutting Relevant Scrutiny Panel
Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation
Subject Matter The Notice of Executive Key Decisions dated 17 December 2021 was submitted for information. The Corporate Director of Economic Development was scheduled to submit a private report regarding the Central Plaza Development Site Options (Key decision – KD.0122). However, work is ongoing on development options for the site and the matter has been deferred. Summary of options rejected None DECISION That the Notice of Executive Key Decisions dated 17 December 2021 be received. Reasons for Decision Not applicable
(Non Key Decision) A Schedule detailing decisions taken by Officers under delegated powers is attached for information. (Copy Schedule herewith) Background Papers – as detailed within the Schedule
(Non Key Decision) Portfolio Cross-cutting Relevant Scrutiny Panel
Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation Subject Matter Details of decisions taken by Officers under delegated powers were submitted. Summary of options rejected None DECISION That the decisions, attached as Appendix A, be noted. Reasons for Decision
Not applicable
(Non Key Decision) The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Team held on 20 December 2021 are submitted for information. (Copy Minutes herewith)
(Non Key Decision) Portfolio Cross-cutting Relevant Scrutiny Panel Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation Subject Matter The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Team held on 20 December 2021 were submitted for information.
Summary of options rejected None DECISION That the Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Team held on 20 December 2021, attached as Appendix E, be received. Reasons for Decision Not applicable
(Non Key Decision) The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit a report regarding the establishment of a Cumberland Joint Committee. (GD.02/22 herewith)
- NIL -
Councillor J Mallinson (Leader's Portfolio)
Councillor G Ellis (Deputy Leader, and Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder)
Councillor S Higgs (Culture, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Holder)
Councillor Mrs E Mallinson (Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder)
Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk