Issue - meetings

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report highlighting that following the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance in January there had been an update on the final settlement and some other minor amendments. The budget includes a figure for the projected income from car parking charges of £350,000; the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Pool has been finalised and it is anticipated this will not have any impact on the finances of the Council and an approach has been received from West Sussex County Council to replicate the 2021 -22 Council Tax Hardship Scheme.  The county would provide 90% of the funds to run the scheme.  He confirmed that the Revenue budget will have a reduced call on General Reserves than originally predicted. He noted changes to the capital programme with the park improvement plans and that the project will be extended as more Section 106 money becomes available.  

The Leader welcomed the replication of the hardship fund and thanked the scrutiny committee  for their consideration of the draft budget.   He noted it was a strong budget which responded to post pandemic challenges.  He highlighted the importance of continued support for the leisure centres, the centre for outdoor sports, and ongoing investment in community facilities which have been well used by residents during pandemic.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth declared that he is a West Sussex County Councillor.  He endorsed the NNDR Pool which helped to support the  local economy and welcomed the improvements to Victoria Park.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services thanked the officers for the comprehensive report and welcomed the reduced draw on General Reserves.  She noted that the Full Fibre project had received funds from the previous NNDR Pool. 

The Head of Corporate Resources noted that the Council Tax Hardship Scheme will require sign off by the Cabinet Member, For the pool, £5 million extra income across the County area is forecast and this is best spent funding bigger projects where maximum benefit is achieved.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery noted the report highlights the ongoing challenges with the pandemic and demonstrates a resilient Council.  He noted the importance of the income from the leisure centres, revenue that helps the council to deliver services.   He welcomed the changes to the capital programme, improvements to Victoria Park and other parks.  He noted the importance of the Council continuing to invest in the other sports facilities within the District.

The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed a desire of the Council to upgrade the toilet facilities at The Orchards whilst regenerating the shopping centre.  To upgrade the toilet facilities before the regeneration project has been agreed, he suggested bringing a report to the next Cabinet meeting with a proposal to install a Changing Places Toilet behind the existing facilities. This should facilitate a quick installation in the Spring or early Summer.

The Leader welcomed the proposal, particularly a Changing Places toilet in the town centre.  As there were no further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5

Kathryn Hall, Chief Executive introduced the report noting that the Covid pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the Council’s finances and demand on services. The draft Corporate Plan and Budget should therefore be considered in that context. She also highlighted that despite the pressures, the Council has enhanced services to the community and will continue to do so. This includes £10million investment in fibre infrastructure which projects a significant productivity gain and job increase for the local economy, as well as enhancements to community assets such as £1million investment in playgrounds and park improvements. In the coming year work will also begin on the Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill which will be a regionally significant sporting asset with a total value of over £6million.

The Leader reiterated the impact of the pandemic on finances and noted that the proposed plan sets out the work required to get back to a balanced budget as well as focussing on supporting the communities and businesses. He also highlighted crucial projects coming forward such as the Burgess Hill Growth Programme, food waste trial, fibre infrastructure work and investment in a number of community facilities.

Members discussed the Council priorities, and a number of Members expressed a wish that the climate agenda features more prominently in these priorities, noting there is no direct mention of the environment and climate change in the summary section of the Plan. The Leader clarified that the Plan does give a clear direction of travel for meaningful action on environmental issues, citing the food waste trial and sustainable economy strategy as examples.

Members discussed risks related to inflation rates and the allocation of funds relating to the New Homes Bonus. Discussion was also held on the transfer of funds for the job evaluation reserve and capital receipts that have come in over the past year. The use of Reserves was discussed in detail with Members acknowledging that the pandemic has resulted in a loss of income from areas such as parking and Leisure Centres. Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources noted that work in ongoing to reduce the need to draw on reserves and highlighted how potential increase in parking charges could have a positive impact on the reserve position, as well as a return to the full contract value from Leisure Centres in 2023/24.  He also highlighted the potential impact of a business rates reset which may occur in 2023/24 and could affect the amount of retained business rates that the Council can use.

Members discussed the Service Plans and Summary Budget tables, with the Head of Service for each area providing a summary introduction.

The Chief Executive highlighted the positive acquisition of 23 units of temporary accommodation and noted the ambition to acquire more. She acknowledged additional funding from the Government to assist with staffing resources in the Housing section and the high level of client demand in that area. She also drew attention to the scale of work in the Burgess Hill Growth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7