To approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 January 2016.

(Attached pages 5 to 10)

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to recording Councillor Johnstone as having been present.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

No declarations of interests were declared.

1.    The Chairman explained that in accordance with Local Authorities (Standing Order) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 there would be a recorded vote for agenda items 7 (c), (d), (e) and (g).

2.    The Chairman advised that he would be hosting an event at the Grove Theatre Dunstable on 24 April 2016 called ‘It takes two’, comprising the West End’s leading ladies and men.

3.    The Chairman advised that he had attended commencement of build ceremonies at Leighton Middle School and The Church of England Academy, Cranfield.

4.    The Chairman advised that a photographer would be taking action shots during the meeting for the Communications team to use for the promotion of the web casting service.

The Leader of the Council to announce any matters of communication.

The Leader made the following announcements:

·         The Household and Waste Recycling Centre, Biggleswade, had reopened, following its refurbishment

·         Priory View Independent Living scheme would be opening shortly

·         Flitwick Leisure Centre would be opening on Monday 29 February 2016

·         Good progress was being made on the A5/M1 Link Road

·         The Executive had put forward plans for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre incorporating a replacement library.

To receive any questions, statements and deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of part A4 of the Constitution.  (This session will be held at the Chairman’s discretion and will normally last no longer than 15 minutes.)

The Chairman invited former Central Bedfordshire Councillor, Rita Egan to ask a question under the Public Participation Provisions set out at Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

Ms Egan asked a question about how the Council intended to take account of the outcomes from the recent budget consultation.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources explained the Council’s approach to consultation  and how the feedback was used to inform decision-making. 

To consider recommendations from the meeting of the Executive, 9 February 2016and answer questions asked under Rule No. 13.1.

(a)Traded Services to Schools & Academies - Proposed Charges for 2016/17

 (pages 11-12)

(b) Redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre and Library

(pages 13-14)

(c) Budget 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Plan

(pages 15-16)

NOTE: Please find attached an update explaining the final Financial Settlement and replacement appendices (A) and (Ci) to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

(pages 17-28)

(d) Capital Programme 2016/17 to 2019/20

(pages 29-30)

(e) Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (Landlord Business Plan) 

(pages 31-32)

(f) Treasury Management Strategy and Treasury Policy

                                                                                                            (pages 33-34)

(g)and to present the Council Tax resolution

 (pages 35-50)

Please note: The papers for (a) to (f) above may be seen at the following link:

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=4922&Ver=4

(a)  Traded Services to Schools & Academies – Proposed Charges for 2016/17.

The Council considered a recommendation from the Executive proposing charges for traded services to schools and academies for non statutory services for the year ahead.  An inflation rate had been applied in line with the Council’s Budget Strategy.

RESOLVED

that the charges for 2016/17 for non-statutory services to schools and academies be approved.

(b)  Redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre and Library

The Council considered a recommendation from the Executive for revised proposals for the re-development of the Dunstable leisure centre and library.

RESOLVED

that an additional £3.519m be allocated to the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre and Library in accordance with the revised option 7 as set out in the report to the Executive, on 9 February 2016.

(c)  Budget 2016/17 & Medium Term Financial Plan

The Council considered recommendations from the meeting of the Executive held on 9 February 2016 seeking approval of the proposed Medium Term Financial Plan and Revenue Budget 2016/17.

An explanatory report was also noted, which set out the additional transitional funding sums announced recently by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for - 2016/17 and 2017/18 and the intention to use these sums to reduce the call on reserves.

Additionally, Members also noted the full results of the consultation which had ben carried out on the proposed budget.

In his introduction, the Executive Member for Corporate Resources drew attention to the factors which had influenced the proposed budget and the financial challenges faced by local authorities.  He referred to the significant social and economic drivers of change within Central Bedfordshire across the medium term and beyond.  He commented that the budget had to be sustainable, affordable and support the Council’s priorities.  He advised that transitional funds had been announced recently that he was grateful to local MP’s for helping to make this Council’s case to Government.

The Leaders of the Independent and Labour Groups commented on the proposed budget.  The Executive Member for Corporate Resources thanked Members for their supportive comments which had been made and emphasised that the budget proposals had been drawn up with a view to supporting delivery of front line services.

RESOLVED

1.  that the Revenue Budget for 2016/17 and the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2016/17 to 2019/20, be approved;

2.   that in line with Government guidance, the following increases in council tax (CBC element) for residents of Central Bedfordshire be approved:

(a)       a Band D increase of £25.51, representing a 1.95% increase on the charge for 2015/16; and

(b)       a Band D increase of £26.17, representing a 2.0% increase on the charge for 2015/16, reflecting a precept of this amount to help fund adult social care costs.

In total the Band D increase will be £51.68, representing a 3.95% increase in the charge for 2015/16.  The CBC element of Band D council tax for 2016/17 will therefore be £1,360.01.

In accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.