Decision details

To approve the Council’s budget for 2018/19 and the MTFP for 2018/19 – 2021/22 to include:

·        Capital programme

·        Fees and charges

·        Service budgets

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services presented the Budget report and service plans for 2018/19 – 2021/22.  He set out the:

·        Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2018/19 – 2021/22;

·        Capital Programme 2017/18 – 2021/22; and

·        Schedule of Charges for 2018/19.

He referred to the overall situation of reduced funding for local government, the withdrawal of Revenue Support Grant and continuing uncertainties over the New Homes Bonus.

The Executive Member detailed the Council’s integrated approach to setting the budget so that the MTFP was driven by the Council’s strategic priorities.  He drew Members’ attention to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of the draft service plans set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘G’ of the report submitted.

The Executive, at its meeting held on 6 February 2018, had supported the recommendations (Minute 350 refers) for a balanced MTFP and increase in Council Tax as now detailed.

The Executive Member thanked Officers, especially those in the finance team, for their continued efforts in meeting the difficult challenges before them.  In particular, he thanked Adele Taylor for her guidance, as this was her last Council meeting before leaving the Authority.

The Executive Member moved, and Councillor M Allen seconded, the recommendations detailed in the report submitted.

In response to Members’ questions, the Executive Member commented on the savings achieved through the shared IT services arrangement.  The Head of Strategic Finance and Property advised that these costs were under constant review to ensure value for money was achieved.

In accordance with the provisions of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was taken on the budget proposals now detailed, the result being:

FOR

Councillors A Alder, M Allen, P Ballam, P Boylan, R Brunton,

E Buckmaster, M Casey, Mrs R Cheswright, K Crofton, G Cutting, B Deering, M Freeman, J Goodeve, L Haysey, G Jones, J Jones,

 J Kaye, G McAndrew, M McMullen, P Moore, W Mortimer,

T Page, L Radford, S Reed, P Ruffles, S Rutland-Barsby, T Stowe, N Symonds, K Warnell, G Williamson, J Wyllie.

AGAINST

None

ABSTENTIONS

None

For: 31

Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the draft service plans for 2018/19 be adopted;

(B)       the East Herts share of Council Tax for a band D property at £164.09, be approved;

(C)       the updated position on the Medium Term Financial Plan and Budget for 2018/19 including the significant budget pressures and risks, be approved;

(D)      new savings in 2018/19 as shown in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted, be approved;

(E)       the Head of Strategic Finance and Property be authorised to lead on a process to investigate and implement the projects set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted, with an investment pot of £200k for “invest to save” projects (those that will pay back and ultimately create a revenue saving);

(F)       the implementation of the Capital Programme as set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘E’ of the report submitted, be approved;

(G)      the schedule of charges set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘F’ of the report submitted, with an overall increase of 5% for 2018/19, be approved; and

(H)      authority to approve the final schedule of taxi fees and charges for 2018/19, as in Essential Reference Paper ‘F’, following the required consultation with the taxi trade, be delegated to the Head of Strategic Finance and Property acting in consultation with the Chairman of the Licensing Committee.