Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance introduced the report, thanking the Scrutiny Committee, Members and Officers for their efforts in producing a strong Budget and Corporate Plan which will enable the Council to achieve its goals.

She highlighted that the central government grant to the Council has been reduced from £6.5m in 2010 to zero in 2018/19 and that the Secretary of State has reviewed the negative RSG, and confirmed it is no longer to be expected. Instead, the Government is seeking to provide incentives to Councils that are performing well by encouraging participation in schemes such as the Business Rates Pilot.

She acknowledged that whilst uncertainties exist in reference to the fair funding review, and budget reductions planned by West Sussex County Council, this Council has been proactive in many areas. A successful bid for participation in the business rates pilot has enabled £19m to be invested in a full fibre network throughout the District, and prudent property investment was providing income.

She also drew Members attention to some further key areas contained within the plan:

1)          A £3.1% increase in Council Tax increasing the tax at Band D by £4.95 per year.

2)         The work undertaken to facilitate planned and coordinated sustainable economic growth including the Burgess Hill Growth Programme, a masterplan for Haywards Heath, a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for East Grinstead and the completion of the Shop Front Improvement project.

3)        Progress made in relation to Flagship Activities.

4)         Significant support to community groups through Cabinet Grants.

5)         A Capital Programme including a significant amount for play spaces.

6)         Resources provided to fund temporary accommodation, and further ways in which the Council is influencing housing more broadly across the District.

A Member asked about the proposed full fibre network. The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth confirmed that the Council is looking at all options to ensure connectivity can benefit smaller market towns and rural areas.

Members noted that extensive work had gone into producing a budget well integrated into the Corporate Plan with clear capital budgets and justification for the key projects. It was noted that strategic partnerships are vital to the Council’s success in achieving its ambitions.

A Member commented that the proposed increase in Council Tax should be seen in context of the recent freeze in Council Tax, which resulted in benefits to local residents. He urged the Cabinet Member to give consideration to whether an increase in future years is necessary.

In response to a Member’s question, the Cabinet Member for Service Delivery confirmed that charges for playing pitches had gone up in line with inflation and there is a budget to litter pick the A23.

The Leader seconded the proposals in the report and thanked Members and Officers for their work to produce a Corporate Plan and Budget which sets a firm financial foundation for the year ahead and the next administration. He reiterated the importance of strategic relationships as millions of pounds of investment for the District are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8