Agenda and minutes

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 July 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2020 were confirmed as a correct record.

20 September 2020

Public Conveniences

The Committee considered the current provision of Public Conveniences in the borough

RECOMMENDED to the Finance and Resources Committee that £138,547 be allocated to the upgrading of public conveniences.

20 September 2020

Public Conveniences

Members considered a reference from the Community Safety Committee in respect of the current provision of Public Conveniences in the Borough and future maintenance needs, improvements and new provision.

RESOLVED that a budget of £140,000 be set aside to allow the installation of a high quality Space to Change plus a unisex toilet facility adjacent to the former Explore Learning Unit in Beeston. Reflecting its location immediately adjacent to the bus/tram interchange it is suggested that this be largely funded via s.106 ITPS and any shortfall via a new General Fund capital allocation. A formal tendering exercise would be required.

1 October 2020

Leisure Facilities Strategy

The recommendation considered by Policy and Performance Committee is below due to the meeting having taken place following the despatch of this agenda. Members will receive an update at the meeting.

NOTE the contents of the Continuum Leisure Facilities Strategy, and RESOLVE (a) to procure external professional financial advice to assess the financial implications and risks associated with the two Bramcote site options for a new leisure centre in the south of Broxtowe, and to RECOMMEND the Finance and Resources Committee approves expenditure of £30,000 to complete this work, 2. (b) That the committee CONSIDERS which of the site options for a Leisure centre site in Northern Broxtowe it wishes to explore further. (c) that the Council continue to work with Chilwell School to assess the leisure facilities options at the School and report back to a future meeting.

1 October 2020

Leisure Facilities Strategy

The Committee considered a reference from the Policy and Performance Committee the request for £30,000 to procure external professional financial advice to cover the financial implications and risks associated with the two Bramcote site options for a new leisure centre as part of the Leisure Facilities Strategy.

RESOLVED that the expenditure of £30,000 to complete this work be approved.

1 October 2020

Devolution and Local Government Structure Reform

The recommendation considered by Policy and Performance Committee is below due to the meeting having taken place following the despatch of the agenda. Members will receive an update at the meeting.

Recommendation: The Committee RECOMMENDS to the Finance and Resources Committee that a supplementary estimate of up to £30,000 be established for the commissioning of work required in connection with a review of local government structures in Nottinghamshire.

1 October 2020

Devolution and Local Government Structure Reform

Members considered a reference from the Policy and Performance Committee to approve expenditure to respond to a request from the Secretary of State in respect of proposals put forward for a review of local government structures within Nottinghamshire.

RESOLVED that a supplementary estimate of up to £30,000, if necessary, be established for the commissioning of work required in connection with a review of local government structures in Nottinghamshire.

To seek approval for a number of amendments to the General Fund revenue budget for 2020/21.

The Committee was updated on the amendments to the General Fund 2020/21 due to recent government announcements, particularly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and detailed budget monitoring had identified a number of General Fund 2020/21 revenue budgets and a number of other service priorities that required amendments. Members thanked the Officers in managing the budgets under the circumstances especially in delivering the Business Support Grants.

Discussions took place surrounding the impact on finances Covid-19 had presented including loss of income with planning fees, car parking fees, expectation of commercial rents to fall and additional costs having to be made to support resources to maintain safe and secure practices across the borough.  Income from the Government’s scheme to compensate local authorities and further schemes to support residents and businesses will hopefully support some of the financial burden.

The Committee expressed concern about the impact Covid-19 on finances and the risks and uncertainties the Borough would be faced with consideration to a further potential lockdown.

It was highlighted to all members of the Committee to share the information from Broxtowe Communications team to help the prevention of Covid-19 spreading within the Borough. 

RESOLVED that the amendments to the General Fund 2020/21 revenue budget as set out in appendices 1 and 2 be approved.

To report upon capital expenditure incurred in 2020/21 up to 31 August 2020 along with the planned financing of the 2020/21 capital programme and to seek approval for a number of capital budget variations in the current financial year.

The Committee was asked to approve a number of capital budget variations in the current financial year. A query was raised in regards to the Transport Feasibility Study –Walker Street, Eastwood to confirm whether the scheme had been carried out and the funding had come from a different budget.

RESOLVED that the capital budget variations for 2020/21 as set out in appendix 3 of the report be approved.

To present an update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and to highlight progress with the delivery of the Business Strategy.

Members were updated on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and the progress with the delivery of the Business Strategy. Significant issues concerning local government finances were discussed that will have a major impact upon the financial position of both this Council and other local authorities, including the significant financial impact of Covid-19 and how this may affect the General Fund revenue budget, the Housing Revenue Account and the Capital programme.

As it is currently difficult to predict at this stage the impact upon the Council’s financial position, members would be provided with further details as the situation becomes clearer.

            RESOLVED that the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy as set out in appendix 2 of the report, and the Business Strategy 2021/22 to 2022/23 as set out in appendix 3 of the report, be approved.

To advise the Committee on the budget consultation process for 2021/22 and to set out the proposed timetable and budget scrutiny process.

The Committee was advised on the budget consultation process for 2021/22 and the proposed timetable and budget scrutiny process. Updates to the budget consultation were suggested prior to the promotional activity taking place.

RESOLVED that:

1.            The budget-setting process for 2021/22 be approved.

2.            The Budget Consultation questionnaire be approved.

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

The Committee considered the requests for grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Grant Aid Policy. Members praised the work of the groups particularly under the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED that the applications be dealt with as follows:

                                                                                                   £

Toton Coronation Hall Community Association                7,000

Eastwood Athletic Football Club                                        1,800

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

Members considered a request for capital grant aid in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s grant aid policy. The work of the group was praised with its ideas to become the first free-to-play football club in the Country by building a sustainable infrastructure with a constant flow of funds raised by the club and the community. Opportunities of increasing the ten-year lease to 25 years on the Council owned premises at Inham Nook, Football Association funding and Nottinghamshire County Council funding to support the idea.

RESOLVED that an award of up to a maximum of £9,000, funded from Capital Contingencies, be approved.

To report progress against outcome targets and the performance indicators identified in the Business Plans for the support services areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives.

The Committee noted a report on the progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Plans for Support Service areas, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives.

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

The Committee considered the Work Programme and agreed that a report on Liberty Leisure be added in addition to a request from the Leisure and Health Committee regarding the operation of the grants budget, in order to ensure the excellent work undertaken by voluntary and mutual aid groups during the pandemic is nurtured and encouraged.

        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 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, 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.

RESOLVED that the resolution be agreed as included in the report contained within the confidential item.