Agenda and minutes

The Chairman carried out a roll call to establish attendance at the meeting. The Solicitor to the Council provided information on the reasons for the virtual meeting.

None.

None.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record and electronically signed by the Chairman. 

None.

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.

The Chairman introduced the report noting the items to be presented at future meetings. He took Members to a vote on the recommendation contained in the report which was agreed.   

RESOLVED

The Committee agreed the indicative Work Programme as set out at paragraph 5 of the report.

None.