Issue - meetings

To approve the capital and revenue budget proposals together with the Capital Strategy, Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy and the General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(Members should note that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment Regulations 2014, there will be a recorded vote on this item).

The Council debated the capital and revenue budget proposals together with the Capital Strategy, Prudential Indicators, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy and General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy and Business Plans.

It was stated that there was a continuing serious economic context for local government but the Council had delivered another “no cuts to jobs and services” budget, which led the way in housing, house building and the environment. Next year’s budget would focus on a diverse programme of continued investment in Broxtowe’s town centre regeneration, council house delivery, parks and open spaces, and an exciting cultural offer, which continued to support financial sustainability, and improve the residents and tenants’ lives.

It was proposed by Councillor P J Owen and seconded by D D Pringle that the following amendment be made to the budget.

1.               “Re-instate free car parking across Broxtowe:

additional budget - £250,000

2.               Invest in improved street cleansing across Broxtowe:

additional budget - £100,000

Total additional budget                                              £350,000

Funding – Use of General Fund reserves                   £350,000”

Prior to debate on the amendment there was a brief adjournment. 

The debate on the amendment was had and included comments on car parking charges and the impact on local businesses. There was further debate on the balance of ensuring car parking charges were fair, but did not impact negatively on businesses.  On being put to the meeting the motion was defeated. The vote was recorded and the voting was as follows:

The debate progressed on to the original motion.  It was noted that the proposed budget included the work of the Community Safety Team and also work around health projects, including the CEDARS project and Bramcote Leisure Centre. There were concerns about weed killers, hosing repairs, the Council’s ICT system and telephone answering. Discussion progressed on to homelessness, the East Midlands Combined Authority, affordable housing and austerity.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was required. The voting was as follows: