Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Steele.

The Leader of the Council placed on record his thanks on behalf of the Cabinet, to Council Officers and Members for their contribution to the success of the 2019 New Forest and Hampshire County Show.  In particular, the Council’s own recycling stand was well received.  Moving forward, the Leader of the Council would meet with the New Forest and Hampshire County Show Chairman to discuss recycling further and to develop opportunities to effectively embed recycling across all show events.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2019 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2019, be confirmed and signed.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests, or any other interests by Cabinet Members.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

There were no issues raised during the public participation period.

To consider the initial development of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2019 onwards and consider the factors that will influence its delivery and that of the annual budget strategy 2020/21.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council;

(a)          That the revised MTFP, as outlined within the report and Appendix 1 be adopted;

(b)          That the reporting timeline as set out in section 7 be agreed; and

(c)           That the Actions Required as set out in the report, be progressed.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.  This report is to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder reported that local government finances continued to come under pressure from both inflationary costs and reduced central government support.  These issues alone make setting the Medium Term Financial Plan a difficult process and this is exacerbated by a lack of funding certainty.

It was reported that despite that, the Council continued to put forward both a balanced and prudent budget that ensured the delivery of front-line services for residents.

In response to questions on planned reductions to community grants, Cabinet Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that as the Council sought to deliver more with less, that external partners benefitting from Council funding had the ambition to do the same.  The award of community grants would still be subject to assessment by a Task and Finish Group that would consider each request on its own merits.

In discussing the impact of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that funding from central government had been received.  Alongside this, the Council continued to take a prudent approach to financial planning in this area.

The Council operates an extensive scheme of delegation of powers to officers in order ensure that the organisation can operate efficiently and effectively.  It is necessary to update the current scheme of delegations to allow officers to take necessary action and exercise the Council’s powers under section 7 of the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Council’s scheme of delegation of powers to officers, that are the responsibility of the Cabinet, be amended to delegate the following power:-

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s scheme of delegation of powers to officers, that are the responsibility of the Cabinet, be amended to delegate the following power:-

REASONS FOR THE DECISION:

The Council operates an extensive scheme of delegation of powers to officers in order to ensure that the organisation can operate efficiently and effectively.  It was necessary to update the current scheme to allow officers to take necessary action and exercise the Council’s powers under section 7 of the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIO:

Housing Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

N/A.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader of the Council welcomed the recommendation to ensure officers could take the necessary action as permitted by this new legislation.