Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 October 2019.

The minutes were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

Councillor M Radulovic MBE declared a pecuniary interest in item 6 as a Trustee of Eastwood People’s Initiative, minute number 41 refers, and also a non-pecuniary interest in item 6 having given presentations to Moorgreen Colts Football Club, item 41 refers.

To report upon capital expenditure incurred in 2019/20 up to 30 November 2019 along with the planned financing of the 2019/20 capital programme and to seek approval for a number of capital budget variations in the current financial year.

The Committee was updated on the expenditure incurred in 2019/20. The Committee requested further information on the current status of the free town centre WIFI projects and the Walker Street Transport Feasibility Study. It was noted that written responses to these enquiries would be provided to the Committee.

                        RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2019/20 as set out in appendix 3 of the report be approved.

To consider a request for capital grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s grant aid policy.

The Committee considered the request for capital grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy. Trent Vale Community Sports Association had requested grant aid from the Council of £10,000 towards the renovation of its site at the Plessey Sports Ground.

          RESOLVED that £10,000 be awarded to the Trent Vale Community Sports Association and Beeston Football Club.

To consider requests for grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy.

The Committee considered requests for grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy and noted the grants awarded under delegated authority in addition to the progress made relating to Broxtowe Lotto. Concern was raised over the Trent ARCH project and the lack of organisational information that had been provided to the Council.

                  RESOLVED that the applications be dealt with as follows:

(Having declared a pecuniary interest in the item Councillor M Radulovic MBE left the room before discussion or voting thereon.)

To inform the Committee of treasury management activity and the actual prudential indicators for 2019/20 up to 30 November 2019.

Members noted the Treasury Management activity and the actual prudential indicators for 2019/20 up to 30 November 2019.

To approve the Council Tax Base for the year 2020/21. 

The Committee noted the proposed Council Tax Base for 2020/21. The 2020/21 Council Tax Base was calculated in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012.

RESOLVED that based on the number of band D equivalent properties and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, Broxtowe Borough Council calculates its Council Tax Base for the year 2020/21 as follows:

        1.   For the whole of its area 34,039.14. 

        2.   In respect of Parish Precepts and Special Expenses for those parts of its area mentioned in the table below, the amounts specified therein –

             Part of Council’s Area       Area Council Tax Base

          Awsworth                                                  616.53

          Brinsley                                                     698.38

          Cossall 208.36

          Eastwood                                               2,850.82

          Greasley                                                 3,691.70

          Kimberley                                               1,830.74

          Nuthall  2,267.06

          Stapleford                                               4,142.08

          Strelley 175.25

          Trowell 821.45

          Special Expenses Area

          Beeston Area                                        16,736.77

To seek approval for arrangements to operate in 2020/21 in respect of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

The Committee noted the for arrangements to operate in 2020/21 in respect of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the current LCTSS remains in place for 2020/21.

To report the results of the 2020/21 budget consultation exercise that took place during October and November 2019.

The Committee noted the results of the 2020/21 budget consultation exercise that took place during October and November 2019. Concern was raised that the number of responses to the consultation were low and the number of responses had reduced from those received in the 2019/20 consultation.

RESOLVED to respond to the budget consultation as set out by the corporate priorities.

To present for approval a Business Strategy 2020/21 to assist with meeting the financial challenge facing the Council by setting out initiatives to be pursued that are intended to reduce costs, generate additional income and/or improve services.

The Committee considered the Business Strategy 2020/21. Members raised concern that the 1 hour free parking in town centre carparks was being removed and replaced with an additional 20p per hour parking.

RESOLVED that the Business Strategy 2020/21 as set out in the appendix be approved.

To request approval for £5,000 to produce and distribute an events guide to residents and businesses in the Borough.

The Committee considered a budget allocation of £5,000 to meet the cost of producing and distributing an events guide to residents and businesses in the Borough. The programme will bring together existing events which take place as part of the Borough’s event programme such as Play Days, Remembrance Services and Christmas Lights Switch ons.

RESOLVED that a One Hundred Events in 2020 publicity programme be produced at an estimate cost of £5,000 to be funded from the Council’s General Fund balances. 

To update members on the progress made on the proposal to create a community hub building with toilets and catering facilities in Bramcote Hills Park and grant in principal a 28 year lease to allow the group to further develop the project.

The Committee were updated on the progress made on the proposal to create a community hub building with toilets and catering facilities in Bramcote Hills Park. The Committee noted that the Council would not become liable to maintain the building should the charity cease to continue trading during its lease agreement.

RESOLVED to grant the Bramcote and Stapleford Community Hub Charity a 28 year lease for an area of land on Bramcote Hills Park on which to build a community hub building subject to the detail of the lease and heads of terms being delegated to the Principal Solicitor and Estates Manager.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Plans for support services areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

The Committee noted the progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Plans for support services areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives. It was noted that sickness absence levels had increased. The Committee requested that this data be split into short and long term absences when reported in the future.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

The Committee considered the Work Programme.  It was agreed that a report on GDPR statement issued over the telephone to customers be added to the work programme.

        RESOLVED that the Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that the arrears in excess of £1,200 on national non-domestic rates, council tax, rents, housing/council tax benefit overpayment and sundry debtors as set out in the report be written off and to note the exercise of the Deputy Chief Executive’s delegated authority under financial regulation 5.9.