Member Training: Council Funding – where does the money come from and the Budget cycle key dates
Minutes:
The Director of Finance and Support Services provided Members with a summary regarding Council Funding and key sources of funding and budget dates, the detail of which was set out in a paper tabled at the meeting. She also reminded Members of the importance of the Council’s key strategies in setting the Council’s budget and urged Members to familiarise themselves with the documents listed in the paper tabled.
In response to a query from Councillor E Buckmaster, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained sources of Fees and Charges and Council Tax.
In response to a query from Councillor J Mayes regarding the use of Reserves figures, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained that this was less than 1% of the Council’s overall funding.
In response to a query from Councillor J Wing regarding the NNDR (National Non Domestic Rate) and how it would impact on spending, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained what this was and how the process worked. She explained why it was important to the Council to rigorously collect the NNDR as well as Council Tax.
In response to a query from Councillor G Williamson regarding levels of housing benefit paid in relation to Council Tax collected, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained how the process worked, stating that there was no direct relationship between the two.
In response to a query from Councillor J Wing regarding capital and revenue spending and the recent purchase of blue wheelie bins, the Director of Finance and Support Services explained how the process of “disinvestment” worked.
The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Director of Finance and Support Services for the presentation.
RESOLVED – that the presentation be received.