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BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (COMMUNITYSERVICES) COMMITTEE AND OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (STEWARDSHIP) COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (COMMUNITY SERVICES) COMMITTEE AND THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (STEWARDSHIP) COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON TUESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2008
PRESENT: Mr D M Busby – Chairman
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Mrs J Antill
Mr J C Brand
Mrs S P Clarke
Mr D G Grutchfield
Mr B D Hurren
Mr J A B Long
Mrs M O Munson |
Mr A F D W Osborne
Mr B Riley
Mr C A Roberts
Mr J R A Sayers
Mr H N Todd
Mr D M Walton |
Mr M Newman, Mrs C A Todd, Mr D L Wood and Mr L H Young were unable to be present.
1 - Election of Chairman
2 - Declaratin of Interests
3 - Petitions
4 - Questions from Members
5 - Financial Strategy and 2009/10 Budget
RESOLVED
That Mr D M Busby be elected to chair the meeting.
Mrs J Antill declared a personal interest in the item referred to in Minute No.5 below by virtue of the fact that she is a Trustee of the Citizens Advice Bureau but indicated that she was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Mr D G Grutchfield declared a personal interest in the item referred to in Minute No.5 below by virtue of the fact that he is a member of Suffolk County Council and Hadleigh Town Council but indicated that he was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
None received.
None received.
Mr N A Ridley, Chairman of the Strategic and Financial Planning (SFP) Task Group presented a report (Paper H156) setting out draft proposals for the Council’s 2009/10 Budget. He particularly requested that the Committee give their views on the potential Medium-Term Plan priorities detailed in Appendix 2 and 2a to Paper H156 and the Council Tax increase for next year. In this regard it was noted that the Revenue figure in respect of Bid No. 16 has reduced to £28,000 and that the position on other bids would be reviewed further by the Task Group at their next meeting.
The Director of Finance made a PowerPoint presentation (subsequently numbered Paper H159 and circulated at the meeting) setting out the key issues in relation to the 2009/10 Budget and Financial Strategy. Together with Mr N A Ridley, the Director of Corporate Services and the Head of Natural and Built Environment he then answered Members’ questions.
In the ensuing discussion the Committee requested that the following priority categories as detailed in Appendix 2 and 2a of Paper H156 be further reviewed by the SFP Task Group:-
· Bid No. 12 – Substance Misuse Officer
· Bid No. 4 – Nightstop – additional places for the homeless
· Bid No. 13 – Sanctuary Scheme – domestic violence
· Bid No. 20 – Teenage conceptions
· Bid No. 29 – Equality standard – level 3
· Bid No. 8 – Targeting fly tipping hotspots
RECOMMENDED TO STRATEGY COMMITTEE
(1) That the Budget commitments and cost pressures detailed in Appendix 1 to Paper H156 be noted.
(2) That, subject to the SFP Task Group reviewing the Bids listed above, the potential Medium-Term Plan priorities detailed in Appendix 2/2a to Paper H156 be noted.
(3) That the proposed efficiencies, savings and additional income for 2009/10 as detailed in Appendix 3 to Paper H156 be noted.
(4) That the potential General Fund draft Capital Programme detailed in Appendix 4 to Paper H156 be noted.
(5) That the key financial assumptions underpinning the draft Budget proposals, including the proposed use of reserves as set out in sections 5.12 to 5.14 of Paper H156, be noted.
(6) That, subject to any changes in the underlying financial assumptions that underpin the 2009/10 draft Budget, a Council Tax increase of no more than 3.5% for 2009/10 be supported in principle.
(7) That the views of the Housing Panel be sought in relation to the 2009/10 Housing Revenue Account Budget and Capital Programme.
The Committee adjourned for refreshments between 11.10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The business of the meeting was concluded at 12.10 p.m.
........................................................................... Chairman
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