Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence of Members who are unable to attend this meeting.

To note revised arrangements approved by the Leader in accordance with Article 7 of the Council’s Constitution on Monday 15 January 2018.

Cllr Erin Hill is currently on maternity leave.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Scott and Hill.

The Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have disclosable pecuniary interests, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items, or any other interests.

No interests were declared.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

It was noted that all agenda items would be considered in public session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (2), Members of the Public should provide at least 24 hours’ notice of presenting a deputation.

No deputations or petitions were received.

The Committee will hear any questions from the general public.

No questions were asked.

To consider questions from Councillors.

Cabinet received questions from Councillor McGuin in relation to (i) the implications of the development of the museum quarter upon Tolson Museum, and (ii) how the Council would ensure that local residents accessing their homes located on the bus lanes in Almondbury would not receive penalty notices. 

To report on the formal introduction from 2020-21 of the National Funding Formula for schools

Ward: All

Officer:           David Gearing Finance Manager (Schools)

Jo-Anne Sanders Acting Service Director, Learning and Support Debbie Hogg, Service Director Finance, IT and Transactional Services

Tel: 01484 221000

(1)  That the changes to school funding arrangements for the two ‘soft’ National Funding Formula funding years of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, leading to the full introduction of the National Funding Formula for Schools from April 2020, be noted.

(2)  That the ongoing local consultation with schools and other providers in order to ensure an appropriate local response to national funding formula developments, be noted. 

(3)  That the exceptions applications made to the Education and Skills Funding Agency, as detailed in paragraph 5 of the considered report, be noted.

(4)  That approval be given to the submission of the schools funding formula for 2018/2019 (based upon a positive minimum funding guarantee of 0.5% per pupil) to the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

A report for Cabinet to receive information to enable them to recommend a budget to Council for Capital, General Fund revenue and Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and approve the Council Treasury Management strategy.

Ward: All

Officers:         Debbie Hogg, Service Director Finance, IT and Transactional Services

Eamonn Croston, Head of Finance and Accountancy

James Buttery, Finance Manager

Tel: 01484 221000

That the Motion be submitted to the Meeting of Budget Council on 14 February 2018 with a recommendation that;

(i)            Capital

-          the draft Capital Plan 2018-2023 be approved (appendix E)

-          the Prudential Indicators  as detailed at appendix F be approved

(ii)          Treasury Management (Appendix C)

-          the borrowing strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.12-2.18 refer)

-          the investment strategy be approved (paragraphs 2.19-2.33 refer)

-          the policy for provision of repayment of debt (minimum revenue provision/MPR) be approved (appendix C refers, reflecting the changes in policy outlined in paragraphs 2.34-2.66) effective from 2017-2018, be approved

-          the treasury management indicators be approved (appendix C refers)

-          proposals to refresh the treasury management strategy for financial year 2019-2020 to reflect revised 2017 CIPFA Treasury Management and Prudential Codes, and updated Government Investment Strategy and MRP guidance to Local Authorities (Government guidance pending), be noted.

(iii)         General Fund Revenue

-          the Draft Revenue Budget 2018-2020 be approved, as attached at appendix A

-          the forecast levels of statutory and other Council reserves, as set out at appendix B, be noted

-          the strategy for the use of balances and reserves be approved (paragraph 3.73 refers)

-          a further reassessment of reserves requirements be undertaken at year end and reported to Members as part of the 2017-2018 financial outturn and rollover report (paragraph 3.74 refers)

-          the Council’s continued participation on the Leeds City Region business rates pool for 2018-2019 be noted (paragraph 3.26 refers)

-          the Flexible Capital Receipts Strategy for 2018-2019 be approved (appendix D refers)

-          the Council Tax requirement for 2018-2019 be approved (appendix H refers)

-          the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2018-2019 be approved (appendix I i-iv refers)

-          the Council’s Statutory S151 Officer’s positive assurance statement be noted (paragraphs 4.4.2 – 4.4.9 refer)

-          the Council’s Statutory S151 Officer be given delegated authority to amend how the finally approved precepts are recorded in the Council’s revenue budget in line with the final notifications received following decisions by the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, the Fire and Rescue Authority and Parish Councils, should these be received after 14 February 2018 (paragraph 4.1.3 refers)

(iv)         Housing Revenue Account

-          the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2018-2020 be approved (appendix A refers)

-          the strategy for the use of the Housing Revenue Account reserves, as set out at paragraphs 3.93 -3.94, be approved