Agenda item

To receive and, if approved, adopt the recommendations from the meeting of Cabinet held on 23 November 2023:

(a)   Update of the Council's Financial Position in 2023/24 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy update 2024/25 to 2029/30 (report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets is available at: Agenda item 6)

(b)   Creation of a new Head of Service Post (report of the Leader of the Council is available at: Agenda item 8)

UPDATE OF THE COUNCIL'S FINANCIAL POSITION IN 2023/24 AND MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY UPDATE 2024/25 TO 2029/30

Councillor Martin Boffey, Leader of the Council, introduced the report. An overspend was anticipated for the current financial year, however steps had been taken to reduce it. This included a proposal to increase the charges for the garden waste collection service, as well as the car park day pass tariffs, that had not been increased for a number of years. An extension to the Council Tax Support payment for 2024/25 was proposed, to also include claimants of pension age, which would allow the scheme to be administered through the system in time for annual billing, for efficiency. It was noted that there were significant additional costs expected in the medium term. This included the cost of food waste collection, repairs to leisure centres and the Capitol, as well as decarbonisation of Council buildings. It was confirmed that a proportion of these costs could be funded from reserves.

The forecast was based on best assumptions, and the medium term was uncertain. It appeared that there would be an increasing deficit, and as such action to address this was being taken. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Ruth Fletcher.

RESOLVED

(ii)     That the charges from 1 April 2024 for the garden waste subscription service are increased from £49 for the first bin to £54 and charge this price for any subsequent bins too.

(iii)     That the price of the multi-storey car park day pass tariffs be increased from 1 February 2024 from £5.50 to £8.80 at Piries Place and £7.30 at Swan Walk, and from £3.95 to £5.60 at the Forum car parks.

iv)      That those of working age and pension age on Council Tax Support be supported with up to £195 in 2024/25, funded from any 2024/25 Funding Guarantee grant, or reserve and that this is reflected in the 2024/2025 budget accordingly.

(v)   Subject to the scheme status quo remaining and a similar settlement to 2023/24,

(i)      That it be approved that the Council remains in the West Sussex Business Rates pool in 2024/25 and

(ii)     that authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to (a) agree the operational details of the pooling arrangements with participating authorities, and, (b) enter into any required documentation to give effect to this proposal.

REASONS

(i)      The Council needs to acknowledge the effects that high levels of inflation will have on its financial position both in the short and medium-term. Deficits are predicted unless action is taken on fees and charges. Given the level of uncertainty in the projections, the economy and proposed Government action, the report does not recommend direct action to drastically reduce expenditure at this stage, but does recommend not worsening the revenue position now.

(ii) and (iii) Council is required to approve fees and charges, and expenditure as per the constitution.

(iv)    Cabinet must approve any such support schemes.

(v)     Remaining in the West Sussex Business Rates pool should benefit the County and therefore the district by retaining locally generated business rates, using it to further support the economic regeneration of the wider West Sussex area.

CREATION OF A NEW HEAD OF SERVICE POST 

Councillor Colette Blackburn, Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Nature Recovery, introduced the report. The creation of the Head of Service post would demonstrate the commitment to climate action, and having the appropriate officer structure in place to deliver against the priority was crucial.

Councillor Jon Olson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Green Spaces, seconded the proposal and spoke in support.

RESOLVED

That funding of £2,680 be included in the 2023/24 Revenue Budget for the new position of Head of Sustainability and Green Spaces.

REASONS

i)               To ensure that the management of the organisation is best structured to achieve the Council’s objectives.

ii)              Full council is required to approve expenditure outside of the budget.