Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meetings held on 26 September and 21 November 2022

(Note: If any Member wishes to propose an amendment to the minutes they should submit this in writing to committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting.  Where applicable, the audio recording of the meeting will be checked to ensure the accuracy of the proposed amendment.)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 September were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2022 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee or the Chief Executive

The Chairman reminded Members that the Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny, the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Parking are authorised to agree minor changes to the budget. The following changes had been approved since the previous meeting:

-          Receipt of a £24,000 grant from DEFRA for a particulate matter analyser in Storrington, which would provide valuable air quality data

-          Receipt of a £24,500 grant from Government to fund additional work as a result of the implementation of the Elections Act 2022

-          Receipt of a £60,700 grant as a winter top up, to provide homelessness support

In addition, a grant for £2.656m from the Government has been made available, to which Horsham District Council would need to supplement an additional £3.21m. This grant was to provide housing for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. The decision to accept this funding would be a decision for Full Council. The Director of Resources advised that the short-term aim would be to support those fleeing conflict, however, longer term the housing would be made available to those on the housing register. The Committee were advised that there would be a financial return on investment from rental income. The challenge would be sourcing the stock by the end of November 2023, which was the deadline set by the Government.

To receive a progress update from the current Task & Finish Group

The Chair of the Task and Finish Group in relation to the use of consultants advised that meetings had taken place with the Economic Development and Development Management teams, and a meeting was scheduled with the Strategic Planning team.

Members were advised that there were a variety of reasons for the use of consultants, however the Group had developed preliminary recommendations as a result of these meetings. The Chair of the Group thanked the Director of Resources for providing the required figures. The report of the Group would be considered at the March meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To receive details of the proposed budget from the Director of Resources and to ask questions of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Parking (the report to Cabinet will be available from 18 January via this link: Cabinet agenda - 26 January )

The Director of Resources introduced the report on the 2023/24 Budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan. The cost impact of inflation currently at 10% was noted. It was highlighted that there was a £1.2m net expenditure increase and a risk that cost pressures could increase. The budget included a 2.99% increase in Council Tax, and fees and charges had been increased. The income from treasury management investments would help to meet the increase in expenditure, however the income was likely to cap at 4.25%. The budget has provision for Council Tax support, however a response was awaited from West Sussex County Council as to whether they could also provide support for the scheme. Of the 2023-24 funding guarantee grant, £1.6m would be retained for the collection of food waste service, as this service will be mandated in the future, at a cost of between £1.3m to £1.6m. The new homes bonus was earmarked to reduce the environmental impact and improve infrastructure. The Medium-Term forecast is a £3m future deficit by 2026/27, and therefore decisions would be required in the coming months to reduce the deficit.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Parking highlighted the need to produce a balanced budget. It was noted that Horsham District Council charges the lowest rate of Council Tax across East and West Sussex, and delivered an extensive capital works programme alongside this. The support for cost of living and environmental concerns were highlighted as priorities.

The Committee discussed the cost of the implementation of food waste collection, and it was noted that the collection of residual waste on a 3-weekly basis would cost less than a fortnightly residual waste collection. It was agreed that this should be acceptable to residents, if additional collections took place for other household items that may produce odours.

In relation to providing council tax support, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Parking confirmed that discussions were ongoing with WSCC and the Sussex Police regarding the support they can offer. Members were advised that if WSCC and Sussex Police were not able to support the scheme, the Finance and Parking Policy Development Advisory Group had already considered the possibility of Horsham District Council funding the gap.

Members questioned the income from parking, and it was highlighted that on-street parking fees are lower than off-street parking fees, despite causing more social issues. The Committee were advised that the Parking Manager is undertaking a review of the differentials, in relation to off-street parking and private providers.

The Committee asked whether there were additional costs rising from the delay to the local plan, particularly in relation to defending appeals, cost of officers working on the plan, and planning income. It was confirmed that no budgetary impact was included in the 20232/24 budget. 

With regards to the grant for the provision of housing for refugees, Members asked how Horsham District Council would source the funding required. The Director of Resources advised that a decision would be made as to the most efficient and  ...  view the full minutes text for item SO/51

To review the current work programme

The Chairman confirmed that the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture would attend the next meeting to discuss Places Leisure and Horsham Museum.

The report of the Task and Finish Group on the Council’s use of consultants would be considered by the Committee at its next meeting, as well as report of the Council’s Finance and Performance for Quarter.

Items not on the agenda which the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as urgent because of the special circumstances

There was no urgent business.