Issue - meetings

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated:

The recommendations arising from the meetings of 4 January, 1 February and 20 February 2017 were agreed.

Cllr Ms Bellows disclosed a pecuniary interest in item 4 of the report of the Cabinet dated 1 February, on the grounds that she was a Council tenant. There was no discussion on this item. She did not vote.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the reports of the meetings held on 4 January, 1 February and 20 February 2017.

1 February 2017, Item 2 – Community Grants

Cllr Binns thanked the members of the Community Grants Task & Finish Group and the officers involved for the thorough work they had done in bringing forward recommendations to the Cabinet. The Council now had a robust and transparent grants system.

1 February 2017, Item 3 – The Medium Term Financial Plan and Annual

Budget 2017/18

The Chairman moved that Standing Order 47.6 be suspended to allow the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to exceed the time limit for making their speeches. The motion was seconded and carried.

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with Standing Order 47.11 he would allow more than one amendment to be proposed and discussed at the same time.

The Leader of the Council made the statement on the Administration’s proposed budget, attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

The Deputy Leader of the Council seconded the recommendation.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group then made the statement attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

Members discussed the Cabinet’s budget proposals together with the Liberal Democrat Leader’s speech.

Some members expressed the view that as the Liberal Democrat Leader had not sought to offer an alternative budget the statements made in his speech could not be substantiated. The budget recommended by the Cabinet ensured that front line Council services would be maintained. The Council would continue to meet corporate priorities, such as delivering affordable housing. The Housing and Communities Portfolio Holder pointed out that this Council was one of only two councils in the country to start a programme of purchasing and building new housing.

The Deputy Leader of the Council expressed the view that the recommended small increase of £3 per week in Council tax for band D properties, would be acceptable to residents as it meant that valued services would continue to be delivered. Other members spoke in support of the budget.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group expressed disappointment that the points raised by him, particularly regarding unnecessary spending by the Council, had not been taken on board.

The Leader of the Council commended the budget to the Council for approval.

A recorded vote was taken on the Cabinet’s proposed budget. The outcome was:

Members voting for: 50

Members voting against: 1

Abstentions: 0

Details are shown in Appendix 3 to these minutes.

The motion was carried.

RESOLVED:

That the reports of the Cabinet dated 4 January, 1 February and 20 February 2017 be received and the recommendations be adopted.