Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on 1^st December 2020 (previously circulated). 

It was proposed by Councillor Dennison and seconded by Councillor Duggan that the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st December 2020 be agreed as a correct record. 

It was noted that the minutes would be signed by the Chair when the minute book was available. 

The Chair welcomed Councillor Joan Jackson to her first meeting of the Panel. 

There were no items of urgent business. 

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest made at this point. 

Attached report of the Chief Finance Officer.  Also attached Cabinet report and appendices previously published and considered by Cabinet on 19 January 2021. 

Report published on 25 January 2021. 

Councillor Anne Whitehead, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance and Resources, presented the City Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Proposals 2021/22. 

Councillor Whitehead’s presentation gave an update on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 emergency, to:

·       Protect our most vulnerable people

·       Support businesses

·       Continue to deliver our most vital services

Councillor Whitehead then advised of other achievements regarding housing and economic development and regeneration. 

Detail regarding Recovery and Build Back Better, Outcomes, Savings, Additional Resources, Council Tax, Funding Assumptions, Fees and Charges, General Fund Revenue Budget and Future Strategy was also provided. 

The Chair advised that he would accept requests from non-Members to speak at the meeting of the Panel in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 15. 

Councillor Whitehead then responded to questions from members. The City Council’s officers also assisted with responses to queries. 

Issues raised by the Panel were:

·       Budget proposals – Walney Substation Extension. 

·       Income from business rates/council tax. 

·       Clarification regarding PWLB rules. 

·       Investment Strategy and Capital Programme. 

·       Budget Proposals, as set out in Appendix B to the report. 

·       Level of arears;

·       Commercial property;

·       Non-Reserve Growth Items – DM Planning applications – Service continuity and restructure. 

The Chair thanked Councillor Whitehead for her thorough and comprehensive presentation.  The Chair also thanked the Chief Executive and officers for their ongoing work during the current pandemic. 

Resolved:

(1)            That the report be noted. 

(2)            That Councillor Whitehead be thanked for her thorough and comprehensive presentation.