Agenda item

Corporate Plan and Budget 2019/20 - Enclosed

Minutes:

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 coming through from these partnerships. He also noted that the Burgess Hill Growth Programme will benefit both the town, and the rest of the District as it has spurred on neighbouring towns to pursue ambitious projects of their own.

 

With regards to the Council Tax increase he acknowledged that the Council wishes to be a low-tax authority but also wants to  deliver services that residents deserve and expect so it is important to set a rational budget which can be delivered on. In terms of the cumulative shortfall over 4 years, the Council needs to understand the requirements in the Council Tax regime and fair funding review, and he noted that the Council is already working to mitigate the financial and social costs resulting from West Sussex County Council’s challenging budget requirements.

 

The Leader noted the high performance of the Planning department following significant investment to attract high performing people to the teams. There has also been significant investment in the Revenues and Benefits team following the disbanding of the CenSus partnership which has resulted in the team performing at its highest level. Work has also been invested in streamlining Member Services particularly relating to sustainability and the ambition to move to a paperless system.

 

He concluded that as the last budget of the administration, it clearly fits the objectives set by the Council and going forward it focusses on growth, infrastructure and economic strategies to benefit residents and businesses within the District.

 

The Chairman took Members to a recorded vote in accordance with the budget regulations:

           

 

For

Against

Abstained

Councillor Ash-Edwards

ü

 

 

Councillor Margaret Belsey

ü

 

 

Councillor Liz Bennett

ü

 

 

Councillor Michelle Binks

ü

 

 

Councillor Pete Bradbury

ü

 

 

Councillor Cherry Catharine

ü

 

 

Councillor Phillip Coote

ü

 

 

Councillor Ruth De Mierre

ü

 

 

Councillor Sandy Ellis

ü

 

 

Councillor Bruce Forbes

ü

 

 

Councillor Sue Hatton

ü

 

 

Councillor Ginny Heard

ü

 

 

Councillor Chris Hersey

ü

 

 

Councillor Margaret Hersey

ü

 

 

Councillor Anne Jones

ü

 

 

Councillor Jim Knight

ü

 

 

Councillor Jacqui Landriani

ü

 

 

Councillor Andrew Lea

ü

 

 

Councillor Anthea Lea

ü

 

 

Councillor Judy Llewellyn-Burke

ü

 

 

Councillor Andrew MacNaughton

ü

 

 

Councillor Gordon Marples

ü

 

 

Councillor Gary Marsh

ü

 

 

Councillor Edward Matthews

ü

 

 

Councillor Norman Mockford

ü

 

 

Councillor Pru Moore

ü

 

 

Councillor Howard Mundin

ü

 

 

Councillor Kirsty Page

ü

 

 

Councillor Peter Reed

ü

 

 

Councillor Linda Stockwell

ü

 

 

Councillor Mandy Thomas-Atkin

ü

 

 

Councillor Colin Trumble

ü

 

 

Councillor Neville Walker

ü

 

 

Councillor Garry Wall

ü

 

 

Councillor Norman Webster

ü

 

 

Councillor Rex Whittaker

ü

 

 

Councillor John Wilkinson

ü

 

 

Councillor Peter Wyan

ü

 

 

 

           

The 38 Members present voted in support.

 

RESOLVED                                                                          

 

Council resolved to approve the Corporate Plan and Budget for 2018/19 as set out in the report.

 

Supporting documents: