Agenda for Policy & Resources Committee (pre 2015) on Thursday, 12th February, 2015, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 260 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Ross Keatley Democratic Services Manager
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part Two of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Additional documents: Minutes: 132 (a) Declarations of substitutes
132.1 There were none.
132 (b) Declarations of interest
132.2 There were none.
132 (c) Exclusion of press and public
132.3 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100(I) of the Act).
132.4 RESOLVED- That the press and public not be excluded from the meeting. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2015 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 133.1. The minutes of the last meeting held on the 22nd January 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. |
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Chair's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 134.1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that there were a lot of big items on the agenda that presented the committee with some difficult choices. However, he wanted to say a big well done to all those involved in the Lewes Road improvement scheme for winning a Smarter Travel Award. It was yet another example of the excellent work the council was doing around provisions for sustainable methods of transport.
134.2. He then reminded the meeting that it was LGBT History Month and that there were events taking place all over the city to celebrate and inform. He noted that you could check the council website for listings or visit your local library where further information and special displays have been put up.
134.3. The Chair also stated that he wanted to highlight the current work going on through electoral services. Claire Wardle and her team were trying to reach as many of the city’s citizens as possible as we know a large number have fallen off the electoral register with the introduction of the new registration system. The deadline was 20th April and he asked everyone to make sure they are registered to vote and to make sure their friends, family and neighbours are also registered. He noted that you could go online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to do so or call 01273 291 999 if you had any queries. |
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Call Over (a) Items (138 – 146) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Additional documents: Minutes: 135.1. The following items were reserved for discussion.
Item 138 General Fund Revenue Budget & Council Tax 2015/16 Item 140 Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2015/16 Item 141 Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2015-16 Item 142 Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2014/15 Month 9 Item 144 Brooke Mead Extra Care Housing – Development Update Item 145 Integrated Sexual Health Service Contract
135.2. The Head of Democratic Services confirmed that the items listed above had been reserved for discussion, and that the following reports of the agenda, with the recommendations therein, had been approved and adopted.
Item 139 Housing Revenue Account Budget 2015/16 Item 143 Voluntary Dedication of Land Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) Item 146 Corporate Procurement of Electricity and Gas Supplies. |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented by members of the public to the full Council or as notified for presentation at the meeting by the due date of 12 noon on the 5 February 2015;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 5 February 2015.
i) Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission – Portslade Old Police Station (to follow). Additional documents: Minutes: 136.1 The Chair welcomed Mr. Cameron and Mr. Amerena to the meeting and invited them to address the committee in regard to their deputation, concerning the Old Police Station in Portslade.
136.2 Mr. Cameron thanked the Chair and stated that the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission believed there was an opportunity to utilise the old police station as a heritage centre for Portslade and the city. He therefore sought the committee’s agreement to enabling a feasibility study to be completed and then reviewed. The current proposal to use the building for housing purposes was poorly put together and had serious weaknesses. He believed that it would provide a greater benefit as a heritage centre for the community and enable it to become a focal point for schools, groups and local organisations.
136.3 Mr. Amerena stated that he put forward the proposal to the Portslade Community Forum who were fully supportive. He noted that both Brighton and Hove had their own heritage centres and suggested that the residents of Portslade should have a similar provision. He therefore hoped that the commission could be given six months in which to produce a feasibility study for consideration.
136.4 The Chair thanked Mr. Cameron and Mr. Amerena for attending the meeting and noted that Councillor G. Theobald had submitted a letter to the committee on the same subject. He therefore invited Councillor Theobald to speak to his letter.
136.5 Councillor Theobald stated that he fully supported the aims of the deputation and believed that the availability of the old police station provided a once ain a life time opportunity that should not be missed. He welcomed the intention to have a heritage centre and believed a delay of six months would not affect the current proposal for the building to be converted into housing. He noted that Councillor Robins had previously raised the matter at the committee. He therefore proposed that a report be brought back to the next meeting on the matter and the option for a heritage centre.
136.6 Councillor Hamilton stated that he believed it was worth exploring the possibility and therefore supported Councillor Theobald’s request for a report to the committee.
136.7 Councillor Randall stated that he believed the matter had already been considered and the proposed housing development delayed to allow for a feasibility study to be brought forward. The council was not in a position to support such a study financially and to date nothing had been done by those advocating a heritage centre. The city required additional housing provision and the scheme should go ahead.
136.8 Councillor Peltzer Dunn supported Councillor Theobald’s request for a report and stated that whilst he agreed there was a need to provide housing, the possibility of having a heritage centre in such a unique building should not go unexplored.
136.9 The Chair noted the comments and stated that there were two options before the committee, to note the deputation and Councillor Theobald’s letter or to note them and call for an officer report to the next meeting. He therefore put the option to note the deputation and letter to the vote which lost by 4 votes to 6.
136.10 He then put the option to note the deputation and letter and to call for a report to the next meeting to vote, which was carried by 6 votes to 4.
136.11 RESOLVED: That the deputation be noted and officers be requested to bring a report back to the next meeting on the whether a delay to the proposed development to enable a feasibility study to be undertaken was possible. |
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To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(c) Letters: to consider any letters;
Portslade Old Police Station – Councillor G. Theobald
Additional documents: Minutes: 137.1. Note: Councillor Theobald spoke to his letter as part of the consideration of the deputation regarding the old police station which is recorded in the preceding item (Item 136 above.) |
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General Fund Revenue Budget & Council Tax 2015/16
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND:
That the following be referred to the Council for consideration:
(1) The Administration’s proposed 5.9% Council Tax increase in the Brighton & Hove element of the council tax, including:
(i) The 2015/16 budget allocations to services as set out in Appendix 1. (ii) The council’s net General Fund budget requirement for 2015/16 of £220.2m. (iii) The referendum budget savings package as set out in Appendix 7. (iv) The additional budget proposals for a substitute budget of £4.293m as set out in Appendix 8. (v) The funding of the costs associated with holding a referendum on the 7 May 2015 in accordance with Chapter IVZA of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and associated regulations as set out in table 2. (vi) The reserves allocations as set out in paragraph 3.24 and table 2. (vii) The Prudential Indicators as set out in Appendix 12 to this report.
(2) If recommendation 2.1 is not agreed, further savings as set out in Appendix 9 be agreed (these being sufficient to enable a Council Tax freeze in the Brighton & Hove element of the council tax after taking account of the Freeze Grant available from Government) including consequential adjustments to the reserves allocations and prudential borrowing limits as set in paragraphs 3.24 and Appendix 12, and subject to modifications as necessary to be undertaken by officers following consultation with relevant members and that Council agrees a revised council tax resolution to reflect that;
(3) If neither recommendation 2.1 nor 2.2 are agreed, that Council adopts a Threshold Budget of 2%, which represents the threshold above which a referendum would be triggered, including the consequential adjustments to the reserves allocations and prudential borrowing limits.
[Note: This option uses the Substitute budget savings package and would therefore be the same as the substitute budget proposals with the exception of the difference in one-off costs between these two budget options. The one-off costs comprise the cost of holding the referendum and timing differences for implementation, as set out in Appendix 10.].
(4) That Council agree the fees and charges referred to Council as outlined in paragraph 3.21 and 4.5;
(5) That Council note the Equalities Impact Assessments to cover all budget options and their cumulative effect are set out in Appendices 13 and 14;
(6) That Council approves the borrowing limit for the year commencing 1 April 2015 of £379m;
(7) That Council approves the annual Minimum Revenue Provision statement as set out in Appendix 11;
(8) The proposed responses to the scrutiny recommendations as set out in Appendix 17;
(9) That Council note the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy and resource projections for 2015/16 to 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 5;
(10) That Council note that supplementary information needed to set the overall council tax will be provided for the budget setting Council as listed in paragraph 4.4;
(11) That, for the purposes of enacting an extended business rates transitional relief scheme announced in the Autumn Statement 2014, Council grant delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance & Resources to design and administer the scheme in accordance with government guidelines as set out in paragraph 3.8; and
(12) That if recommendation (1) above, is agreed, the referendum be held on 7th May 2015.
(2) RESOLVED: That officers be authorised to make any necessary technical, presentational or consequential amendments to the report before its submission to full Council.
Minutes: 138.1 The Committee noted that the special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 5, Access to Information Rule 5 and Section 100B of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (items not to be considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were that information on the 2014/15 financial position was still being finalised and officers were awaiting critical information about the final Local Government Grant Settlement for 2015/16 from the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG).
138.2 The Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources introduced the report which detailed the final proposals for the General Fund Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2015/16. She stated that the budget had been developed in the context of the emerging Corporate Plan and the draft medium-term financial plan. She referred to appendix 2 which set out the changes in the budget gap since December and noted that whilst the budget was based on a 5.95 council tax increase in accordance with the Administration’s aims, it also detailed the various options for the council tax that had been identified by the 3 political Groups.
138.3 Councillor Sykes stated that he wished to place on record his apologies for an error that had resulted in a press release being issued on the 5th February which detailed budgetary information that had not been made available to Members of the Committee as was only due for release on the 6th February. He then stated that he believed it was an excellent report and thanked the officers involved in producing it. He hoped that the proposed increase of 5.9% which would require a referendum to be held would be supported as this provided a level or resources to maintain services and manage the effects of the cuts to local government funding. He also noted that the report detailed the fall-back option of a 2% council tax increase should the referendum result in a no vote. However, he believed the level of opposition to a 5.9% increase was falling and noted that 61% people who responded to the budget consultation indicated their support for a council tax rise if it meant services were maintained. He therefore recommended that the 5.9% increase should be supported.
138.4 Councillor G. Theobald accepted Councillor Sykes’ apology and also asked that his thanks be conveyed to the officers involved in providing the budgetary information. He stated that he believed a council tax freeze could be achieved and noted that the government’s freeze grant had been built into the budget projections should a freeze be agreed. He then referred to page 14 of the report and questioned whether there had been any attempt to market test services, noting that the proposed establishment of a local authority trading company had not come to fruition. He asked for clarification in relation to the new homes bonus referred to in paragraph 3.19 and queried why the information in paragraph 7.6 relating to the Youth Service did not take account of the request made in the Notice of Motion that was approved at the last meeting.
138.5 The Chair noted the comments and stated that whilst the Notice of Motion had been approved, it was not binding on the committee although it had been taken into account when the proposed review had been put forward in the report.
138.6 The Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources confirmed that £3.387m had been identified for 2015/16 as part of the New Homes bonus.
138.7 The Executive Director for Children’s Services stated that in regard to the Youth Service, it had been agreed to meet with all providers to review the future level of provision. Once the review was completed there would be a need to consider what level of provision could be provided and to report those proposals to the Children & Young People Committee in the autumn.
138.8 Councillor Morgan thanked the officers for their hard work in producing the report and stated that the Labour & Co-operative Group could not support a 5.9% council tax increase. He believed that a 2% threshold increase was the right level and would ensure that services could be supported which a council tax freeze could put at risk. He also noted that a no vote in a referendum would cost the city £1.187m which could be used to support services. He stated that whilst the report detailed a 2% fall-back option, the Labour & Co-operative Group wished to retain its ability to amend that option at Budget Council.
138.9 Councillor G. Theobald asked for clarification in regard to the recommendations before the committee, namely that should they be agreed, there was no commitment in terms of the fees and charges referred from other committees or to the overall budget and council tax.
138.10 The Monitoring Officer stated that the Policy & Resources Committee was being asked to recommend the Budget and Council Tax to Full Council and the fees and charges referred from the Economic Development & Culture and Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committees were before the committee for information as part of the overall budget as they had been referred directly to the Full Council for consideration. In agreeing the recommendations before them today, Members were not committing the Council to any action other than to consider the budget proposals.
138.11 Councillor Morgan noted that should the Council agree to a referendum budget, recommendation 2.3 would also need to be included and asked for a separate vote on the recommendations.
138.12 The Chair noted the comments and put recommendations 2.1 to 2.3 to vote which had the following outcome:
Recommendation 2.1 - For 4 and 6 against, lost;
Recommendation 2.2 - For 3 and 7 against, lost;
Recommendation 2.3 - For 3 and 7 against, lost.
138.13 The Chair noted that all three options had been lost and sought clarification from the Monitoring Officer on the committee’s responsibilities.
138.14 The Monitoring Officer stated that the committee had a responsibility to put forward recommendations to the Full Council in regard to the General Fund Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2015/16. He stated that should the committee fail to do so, it would leave officers having to make recommendations to the Council.
138.15 The Chair noted that an agreed option to recommend to the Council could be achieved and therefore proposed that the committee agree to putting all three options relating to the level of council tax to the Council for consideration; along with the remaining recommendations listed in the report.
138.16 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND:
That the following be referred to the Council for consideration:
(1) The Administration’s proposed 5.9% Council Tax increase in the Brighton & Hove element of the council tax, including:
(i) The 2015/16 budget allocations to services as set out in Appendix 1. (ii) The council’s net General Fund budget requirement for 2015/16 of £220.2m. (iii) The referendum budget savings package as set out in Appendix 7. (iv) The additional budget proposals for a substitute budget of £4.293m as set out in Appendix 8. (v) The funding of the costs associated with holding a referendum on the 7 May 2015 in accordance with Chapter IVZA of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and associated regulations as set out in table 2. (vi) The reserves allocations as set out in paragraph 3.24 and table 2. (vii) The Prudential Indicators as set out in Appendix 12 to this report.
(2) If recommendation 2.1 is not agreed, further savings as set out in Appendix 9 be agreed (these being sufficient to enable a Council Tax freeze in the Brighton & Hove element of the council tax after taking account of the Freeze Grant available from Government) including consequential adjustments to the reserves allocations and prudential borrowing limits as set in paragraphs 3.24 and Appendix 12, and subject to modifications as necessary to be undertaken by officers following consultation with relevant members and that Council agrees a revised council tax resolution to reflect that;
(3) If neither recommendation 2.1 nor 2.2 are agreed, that Council adopts a Threshold Budget of 2%, which represents the threshold above which a referendum would be triggered, including the consequential adjustments to the reserves allocations and prudential borrowing limits. [Note: This option uses the Substitute budget savings package and would therefore be the same as the substitute budget proposals with the exception of the difference in one-off costs between these two budget options. The one-off costs comprise the cost of holding the referendum and timing differences for implementation, as set out in Appendix 10.].
(4) That Council agree the fees and charges referred to Council as outlined in paragraph 3.21 and 4.5;
(5) That Council note the Equalities Impact Assessments to cover all budget options and their cumulative effect are set out in Appendices 13 and 14;
(6) That Council approves the borrowing limit for the year commencing 1 April 2015 of £379m;
(7) That Council approves the annual Minimum Revenue Provision statement as set out in Appendix 11;
(8) The proposed responses to the scrutiny recommendations as set out in Appendix 17;
(9) That Council note the revised Medium Term Financial Strategy and resource projections for 2015/16 to 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 5;
(10) That Council note that supplementary information needed to set the overall council tax will be provided for the budget setting Council as listed in paragraph 4.4;
(11) That, for the purposes of enacting an extended business rates transitional relief scheme announced in the Autumn Statement 2014, Council grant delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance & Resources to design and administer the scheme in accordance with government guidelines as set out in paragraph 3.8; and
(12) That if recommendation (1) above, is agreed, the referendum be held on 7th May 2015.
138.17 RESOLVED: That officers be authorised to make any necessary technical, presentational or consequential amendments to the report before its submission to full Council. |
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Housing Revenue Account Budget 2015/16
Extract from the proceedings of the Housing Committee meeting held on 14 January 2015; together with a joint report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources and the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copies attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
(a) Approves and recommends to Council the budget for 2015/16 as shown in Appendix 1.
(b) Approves a rent increase of 2.2% in line with government guidance.
(c) Approves the changes to fees and charges as detailed in Appendix 2.
(d) Notes the Medium Term Financial Strategy shown in Appendix 3. Minutes: 139.1 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND
(1) That the budget for 2015/16 as shown in Appendix 1 to the report be approved;
(2) That a rent increase of 2.2% in line with government guidance be approved;
(3) That the changes to fees and charges as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report be approved; and
(4) That the Medium Term Financial Strategy shown in Appendix 3 to the report be noted.
139.2 RESOLVED: That it be noted that the Housing Committee agreed to a further report being submitted to the committee on the cumulative impact of charges in due course. |
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Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2015/16
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee recommends to Council the following: – 1) The draft Capital Investment Strategy 2015 to 2025 as shown in Appendix 4. 2) The Capital Investment Programme for 2015/16 in Appendix 1. 3) Note the estimated capital resources in future years as detailed in Appendix 1. 4) To allocate £0.25m resources in 2015/16 for the Strategic Investment Fund for the purposes set out in paragraph 3.19. 5) To allocate £2.0m for the ICT fund. 6) To allocate £1.0m for the Asset Management Fund. 7) The proposed use of council borrowing as set out in paragraph 3.34 and Appendix 3. Minutes: 140.1 The Committee noted that the special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 5, Access to Information Rule 5 and Section 100B of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (items not to be considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were that information on the 2014/15 financial position was still being finalised and officers were awaiting critical information about the final Local Government Grant Settlement for 2015/16 from the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG).
140.2 The Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources introduced the report, concerning the level of available capital resources in 2015/16 to enable the Committee to propose a Capital Investment Programme for 2015/16 to the Council. The Capital Investment Programme was set out in the context of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which was included in the General Fund Revenue Budget report. The Executive Director noted that the planned investment over the forthcoming year amounted to £120.6m investment in council services.
140.3 Councillor Sykes welcomed the report and thanked the officers involved in producing the report. He particularly noted the impact the capital programme had on jobs, homes and the income stream within the city for 2015/16.
140.4 Councillor A. Norman welcomed the report but stated that she was opposed to the proposed spending of capital receipts from the sale of Kings House on the redevelopment of Hove Town Hall. She asked for an update on the proposed sale of Kings House and also questioned the increased level of capital investment in ICT, which amounted to approximately £6m over the last 3 years. She queried whether it would be better to outsource the service rather than continue to put resources into it.
140.5 The Assistant Director, Property & Design informed the committee that the sale of Kings House was proceeding and that she would provide Members with a briefing note following the meeting on the current position.
140.6 The Chair stated that there had been an under-investment in ICT for a number of years and it was necessary to ensure that it could meet the needs of the organisation.
140.7 Councillor Shanks drew the committee’s attention to the increased level of resources available for investment into the city’s schools and the ability to provide a new secondary school once a site had been identified.
140.8 The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.
140.9 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND
(1) That the draft Capital Investment Strategy for 2015 to 2025 as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be approved;
(2) That the Capital Investment Programme for 2015/16 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved;
(3) That the estimated capital resources in future years as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be noted;
(4) That the allocation of £0.25m resources in 2015/16 for the Strategic Investment Fund for the purposes set out in paragraph 3.19 of the report be approved;
(5) That the allocation of £2.0m for the ICT fund be approved;
(6) That the allocation of £1.0m for the Asset Management Fund be approved; and
(7) That the proposed use of council borrowing as set out in paragraph 3.34 and Appendix 3 to the report be approved. |
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Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2015-2018
Extract from the proceedings of the Housing Committee meeting held on 14 January 2015; together with a joint report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources and the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee approves the HRA capital programme budget of £41.034 million and financing for 2015/16 as set out in paragraph 4.3. Minutes: 141.1. The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing introduced the report which sought approval for the 2015/16 capital programme and provided a provisional capital programme for 2016/17 and 2017/18 for the Housing Revenue Account. He noted that the report had been considered and agreed by the Housing Committee at its meeting on the 14th January. The proposed programmes outlined the investment in housing stock and the creation of new homes which were part of the council’s corporate plan.
141.2. Councillor Randall welcomed the report and noted that over the last four years management costs had been reduced which enabled more investment into the capital programme. The Estate Management Board, which had cross-party representation, was working well and he hoped the recommendations would be fully supported.
141.3. Councillor Peltzer Dunn also welcomed the report and supported Councillor Randall’s comments. He believed it was important to remain on top of the capital programme and achieve its time-table.
141.4. The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.
141.5. RESOLVED: That the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme budget of £41.034 million and financing for 2015/16 as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report be approved. |
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Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2014/15 Month 9
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Committee note the forecast outturn position for the General Fund, which is an overspend of £0.541m. This consists of £0.146m on council controlled budgets and £0.395m on the council’s share of the NHS managed Section 75 services.
2) That the committee delegate authority to the Director of Finance & Resources and the Head of Law to make a loan of £0.045m to South East Dance as set out in paragraph 3.22 and 3.23 subject to satisfactory terms being agreed.
3) That the Committee note the forecast outturn for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is an underspend of £0.541m.
4) That the Committee note the forecast outturn position for the Dedicated Schools Grant which is an underspend of £1.097m.
5) That the Committee note the forecast outturn position on the capital programme.
6) That the Committee approve the capital programme variations and reprofiles in Appendix 3 and new capital schemes in Appendix 4. Minutes: 142.1. The Committee noted that the special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 5, Access to Information Rule 5 and Section 100B of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (items not to be considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were that information on the 2014/15 financial position was still being finalised and reviewed in conjunction with the 2015/16 Budget package.
142.2. The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2014/15 (Month 9). The Interim Executive Director stated that the report detailed an improved position at month 9 but noted that there were significant pressures and forecast risks to manage across the General Fund Revenue Budget. The underlying overspend on council controlled budgets was £2.036m which had been reduced to £0.146m with the release of unallocated general risk provision of £1.890m.
142.3. Councillor Sykes thanked Officers for the report, and also the Executive Directors for their work in enabling the projected overspend to come down from £6m to £2m and then further with the release of unallocated resources. He noted that significant pressures remained in Adult and Children’s services and that the budget proposals had taken these into consideration and he hoped that they would be supported.
142.4. Councillor A. Norman thanked Officers for their continued commitment to the organisation, and stated that the underlying overspend was still worrying. She also stated that the proposed loan to South East Dance was acceptable but queried whether the large underspend in the dedicated schools budget was a result of low take-up and whether it could be used elsewhere.
142.5. The Executive Director for Children’s Services stated that the changes to pre-nursery provision had led to some misunderstanding and lower take-up than had been predicted. He noted that the Department of Education had changed the funding formula as a result of the low rate of take up nationally which was likely to result in a reduced level of grant and that any underspend was ring-fenced to early years provision.
142.6. Councillor Morgan stated that he supported the proposed loan to South East Dance but felt that more information should be brought to the committee and that it would help to have a report to the next meeting on the risks and alternative funding options for example.
142.7. The Assistant Chief Executive stated that South East Dance were facing particular time constraints and that the proposals were being supported by the Arts Council nationally, who had agreed to put £1m into the scheme. The funding gap had resulted from delays with the overall scheme and she noted that the council would not sign over the lease until the loan was repaid.
142.8. The Head of Finance informed the committee that the proposed loan was for a short-term and could be met by the capital reserves budget as there were sufficient funds to cover the loan period.
142.9. Councillor Hamilton noted that the use of unallocated reserves had enabled the projected overspend to be reduced to £0.146m which was welcome but he remained concerned about the overall overspend for Adult Services.
142.10. Councillor G. Theobald noted the overall budget position and expressed his frustration with regard to the delays that various schemes supported by the council appeared to suffer. He hoped that this would improve as investment in the city was important and needed to be encouraged.
142.11. Councillor Randall noted the comments and agreed that more work was needed to ensure development schemes progressed. He believed that Cathedral had done an excellent job in taking the scheme forward and welcomed the Arts Council’s support for South East Dance.
142.12. The Chair noted the comments and then put the recommendations to the vote.
142.13. RESOLVED:
(1) That the forecast outturn position for the General Fund, which is an overspend of £0.541m, consisting of £0.146m on council controlled budgets and £0.395m on the council’s share of the NHS managed Section 75 services be noted;
(2) That the Executive Director of Finance & Resources and the Head of Law be granted delegated authority to make a loan of £0.045m to South East Dance as set out in paragraph 3.22 and 3.23 of the report, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed;
(3) That the forecast outturn for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is an underspend of £0.541m be noted;
(4) That the forecast outturn position for the Dedicated Schools Grant which is an underspend of £1.097m be noted;
(5) That the forecast outturn position on the capital programme be noted; and
(6) That the Capital Programme variations and re-profiles as detailed in Appendix 3 and new capital schemes in Appendix 4 of the report be approved. |
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Voluntary Dedication of Land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act)
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee authorises the dedication of land at Home Farm Stanmer and land at St Mary’s Farm (identified on the plan at Appendix 1) as public access land in perpetuity under procedures set out in the CRoW Act. Minutes: 143.1. RESOLVED: That the dedication of land at Home Farm Stanmer and land at St Mary’s Farm (identified on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report) be authorised as public access land in perpetuity under procedures set out in the CRoW Act. |
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Brooke Mead Extra Care Housing – Development Update Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee agrees an increase in the capital programme budget for the delivery of Brooke Mead extra care housing scheme to a maximum amount of £12m financed through unsupported borrowing in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Homes & Community Agency (HCA) Grant and a contribution from Adult Social Care, to enable the scheme to start on site before the end of March 2015.
That Committee agrees to appropriate the land at Brooke Mead, Albion Street, Brighton, for planning purposes. Minutes: 144.1. The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of the Brooke Mead extra care housing scheme. The report also sought approval for an increase in the scheme’s capital programme budget to cover an increase in costs primarily associated with build cost inflation forecasts. The Executive Director stated that it was anticipated that the final costs would remain at under £12m but this was an increase from the £8.3m previously approved. However, he was hopeful that this change would enable the scheme to be completed.
144.2. Councillor Randall stated that he was eager to see the scheme start and noted that the procurement process had been complex. However, he felt that the additional provision should be agreed and that every effort was made to ensure that the scheme came to fruition.
144.3. Councillor Peltzer Dunn noted that the committee had previously agreed to the sum of £8.3m in 2013 and was now being asked to approve an increase to £12m based on a pretty crude estimate. He accepted that building costs had increased over the period, however was disappointed with the information that had been provided and the assumption that there would not be further delays.
144.4. The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.
144.5. RESOLVED:
(1) That an increase in the capital programme budget for the delivery of Brooke Mead extra care housing scheme to a maximum amount of £12m financed through unsupported borrowing in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Homes & Community Agency (HCA) Grant and a contribution from Adult Social Care, to enable the scheme to start on site before the end of March 2015 be agreed; and
(2) That it be agreed to appropriate the land at Brooke Mead, Albion Street, Brighton, for planning purposes. |
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Integrated sexual health service contract Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the committee notes the successful outcome of negotiations and intention to award the contract to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust in partnership with the Sussex Community Trust. Minutes: 145.1. The Lead Commissioner for Sexual Health & HIV introduced the report which detailed the outcome of negotiations for a new contract for the provision of an integrated sexual health service.
145.2. Councillor A. Norman welcomed the report and wished to place on record her thanks to the Lead Commissioner for his additional briefing that he provided prior to the committee meeting. She believed that integrated provision would result in a better service for the city and supported the recommendation.
145.3. The Chair noted the comments and welcomed the joint working with the Hospital Partnership Trust and put the recommendation to the vote.
145.4. RESOLVED: That the successful outcome of negotiations and intention to award the contract to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust in partnership with the Sussex Community Trust be noted. |
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Corporate Procurement of Electricity and Gas Supplies Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director Property & Design–
(i) to award a contract effective from 1 October 2016 for a maximum period of four years for the Council’s large (over 50kW) electricity supplies from 100% renewable sources and gas supplies through a flexible framework agreement offered by the LASER Energy Buying Group;
(ii) to award a contract effective from 1 April 2016 for a maximum period of four years for the Council’s non half hourly (sub 50kW) electricity supplies from 100 percent renewable sources through a fixed compliant framework agreement;
(iii) to award a six-month bridging contract with the existing LASER flexible supplier to allow a proportion of the supplies referred to in 2.1 (ii) above to switch to a flexible arrangement from 1st October 2016.
Minutes: 146.1. RESOLVED: That the Assistant Director Property & design be granted delegated authority:
(i) To award a contract effective from 1 October 2016 for a maximum period of four years for the Council’s large (over 50kW) electricity supplies from 100% renewable sources and gas supplies through a flexible framework agreement offered by the LASER Energy Buying Group;
(ii) To award a contract effective from 1 April 2016 for a maximum period of four years for the Council’s non half hourly (sub 50kW) electricity supplies from 100 percent renewable sources through a fixed compliant framework agreement; and
(iii) To award a six-month bridging contract with the existing LASER flexible supplier to allow a proportion of the supplies referred to in 2.1 (ii) above to switch to a flexible arrangement from 1st October 2016. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 26 March 2015 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, each Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10.00am on 16 March 2015 (the eighth working day before the Council meeting to which the report is to be made), or if the Committee meeting takes place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: 147.1. No items were referred to the March council meeting. |