Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:-

a)    Note the contents of the report and the update to the Medium Term Financial Plan; and

b)    Endorse the approach taken to set the Asset Maintenance and Replacement Programme Budget for 2022/23.

That the Cabinet recommend to Council:-

c)    That the CANF request for a three-year funding agreements for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 be approved as follows:-

·         Year 1 commencing 1 April 2022: £185,895

·         Year 2 commencing 1 April 2023: £190,542

·         Year 3 commencing 1 April 2024: £195,306

d)    That procurement of replacement vehicles and plant as included in the 2022/23 replacement schedule is commenced ahead of the formal setting of the 2022/23 budget.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services / All.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and drew attention to sections 4 and 5, which outlined some of the implications of the Autumn Spending Review and recent necessary updates to the Medium Term Financial Plan, respectively.

The Council remained in a relatively strong financial position but it was important not to be complacent in tackling future challenges.

In response to a question on virtual parking clocks, it was confirmed that fees and charges were subject to the normal decision making processes.  However, the Medium Term Financial Plan report set out broadly the actions and initiatives within the plan period.

In response to a question on the employment of an officer in progressing the Council’s declaration of a climate change and nature emergency, the Leader of the Council looked forward to the consideration of an action plan in February 2022, which would address the Council’s approach to the sustainability agenda across all Council functions.

Attention was drawn to the excellent work of Citizens Advice New Forest, who were recommended to receive a three-year funding agreement to assist with their own budgetary planning.