Issue - meetings

Essential Reference Paper “F” (Fees and Charges will be made available at the meeting)

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property submitted a report detailing a number of recommendations for submission to the Executive in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 – 2021/22, the 2017/18 - 2021/22 Capital Programme and the 2018/19 Schedule of Charges.  Essential Reference Paper “F” was circulated to Members.  She referred to the supporting information within the Essential Reference Papers, now detailed.  The Head of Strategic Finance and Property provided an overview of the report which she explained, took a prudent approach to the budget, taking into account known pressures and risks but was also forward looking.

Councillor J Wyllie was concerned about proposed changes to the New Home Bonus (NHB) and the recommendation to remove this from the General Fund over the life of the MTFP.  Members felt that this was unfair to many towns and parishes affected by increased housing developments (particularly Bishop’s Stortford) including the impact this would have on the environment and services.   Members generally were concerned that there was no process or protocols proposed for the allocation of NHB funding following the changes.  Members felt that commitments already made should receive the NHB but that measures should be put in place for future housing developments.  

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property explained that the money would not be taken away but there would just be a different way of allocating funding and its distribution.  The NHB would be held in reserve and used for infrastructure  purposes that towns and parishes would be able to bid for. 

Councillor J Wyllie explained that the wording of the recommendation needed rephrasing and a process established for NHB and its distribution.  He stated that current commitments should be honoured but that a process be established affecting future developments.  This view was supported.  Councillor P Boylan stated that the suggested arbitrary removal of the NHB was unfair and that a decision to withdraw should not be made until further information was made available.  This was supported. 

The Committee Chairman referred to a letter he had received from the Parish Clerk of Thundridge expressing concern about a reduction in the New Homes Bonus allocation.  The Head of Strategic Finance and Property stated that under the new proposals, the Parish Council would have to make an application for future funding.  Councillor A Alder suggested that Town and Parishes should be given a better steer on how much they might receive. 

The Head of Strategic Finance and Property commented that NHB should not be included in any revenue budgets as this could be removed at any time by the Government. 

Councillor N Symonds and P Ballam both acknowledged the vital and important work undertaken by PCSOs in town and rural areas and expressed concern about the proposed £43k savings in 2018/19.  Members asked that a decision on this issue be deferred and that assurances be sought from the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) that the Police would fund these posts before any decision was made to remove funding.  The Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 324