Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 13 September 2021

The notes of the meeting held on 13 September 2021 were received

To receive an update from the Head of Finance & Performance

The Head of Finance & Performance updated the meeting on developments since the draft Cabinet report discussed at the previous meeting.  It was noted that there were few substantial changes at this point and that further indications would be available only after the December Settlement is announced.   Overall the expectation is for little significant change though there are some expecting risk pressures arising from inflation

Key areas discussed by the PDAG included:

·         The Council Tax Base is showing an above average growth of around 900 Band D equivalents.  There is a risk that the current water neutrality issue may dampen planning applications in future years in the Medium-Term Financial Plan.  Government expect councils to apply a 2% increase in the Council-tax rate levied in 2022/23.

·         Business rates have not fully recovered from the impact of Covid.  The Council is expecting to re-join the Business Rates Pool in 2022-23, which shares growth across the member authorities, having elected not to do so in the current year due to the risks associated with Covid-19.  It was noted that a number of businesses remain in default on Business rents and there was some discussion of the measures available to the Council for recovery of arrears

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Finance and Assets Portfolio

The Forward Plan extract was noted

·         The meeting was advised that the cost of internal audit was under review and options for joining a framework agreement with other authorities were being examined with a view to a reduction in current costs

·         Noted that Asset discussions had not been featured prominently in recent meetings, with a suggestion for a standing item going forward

·         The Chairman will invite the Head of Property and Facilities to present to the next meeting