Agenda item

To consider the recommendations of Cabinet from its meeting on 18^th January 2011.

Councillor Langhorn presented the report and recommendations of Cabinet on the Budget and Policy Framework for 2010/11 in three parts.

Firstly, the Leader presented the strategic context and the policy framework sections of the report and responded to Member’s questions on the updated Corporate Priorities drafted by Cabinet.

In respect of the Corporate Priorities Councillor Langhorn moved, and Councillor Kerr seconded, that recommendation 1 as set out in the report, be approved.

By way of amendment, Councillor Robinson proposed, seconded by Councillor Sowden:

“That Housing Regeneration be added to the priorities.”

At the conclusion of a short debate a vote was taken on the amendment. 29 Members voted for the amendment, 13 against and 8 abstained whereupon the Mayor declared the amendment carried.

A vote was then taken on the substantive motion as amended when many voted for and few against, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion clearly carried.

Councillor Langhorn then went on to present the second part of the report relating to the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme. Councillor Langhorn and Councillor Blamire responded to questions from Councillors.

In respect of the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Councillor Langhorn proposed that recommendations 2-4, as set out in the report, be approved. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Kerr.

Debate followed, after which a vote was taken and, with many voting for and few against, the motion was clearly carried.

(The meeting adjourned at 4.30pm in line with procedure rule 10.1,

reconvening at 4.40pm)

Councillor Langhorn then went on to present the final part of the report relating to the Housing Revenue Budget and Capital Programme. Councillor Langhorn and Councillor Kerr responded to questions from Councillors.

In respect of the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Councillor Langhorn proposed that the recommendations as set out in the report and numbered 5-7 be approved. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Kerr.

After a lengthy debate, Councillor Clifford proposed that the vote be taken individually on recommendations 5-7. as set out in the report. With the consent of the meeting, the Mayor agreed to the request to take each one in turn.

A vote was taken on the proposal to approve recommendation 5 as set out in the report. 19 Members voted for the motion, 22 against and 3 abstained whereupon the Mayor declared the motion lost.

A vote was then taken on the proposal to approve recommendation 6 as set out in the report. With many voting for and few against the Mayor declared the motion clearly carried.

The proposal to approve recommendation 7, as set out in the report, was voted upon and, with many voting for and few against, the Mayor declared the motion clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)   That the following priorities be used to develop the policy framework for the three year period from 2011 to 2014:

•    Economic Regeneration – Energy Coast, Visitor Economy and Housing Regeneration.

•    Climate Change – prioritising reducing the Council’s energy costs and increasing income

•    Statutory responsibilities – fulfilling at least our minimum statutory duties - focus on keeping the streets clean and safe

•    Partnership working and Community Leadership – working with partners to reduce costs, make efficiencies and create resilience within the district;

and that the intention to protect the most vulnerable in our society should also be a thread that runs through all the above priorities.

(2)   That the 2010/11 Revised Budget of £23.616M be approved, with the net underspending of £1.124M being transferred into Balances.

(3)   That City Council Tax rates be frozen for 2011/12, subject to Government confirming Council Tax Freeze Grant entitlement (equivalent to a 2.5% tax increase).

(4)   That Council notes the supporting draft budget information and proposals to date, as set out in the report.

(5)   That the minimum level of HRA Balances be retained at £350K from 01 April 2011, and that the Statement on Reserves and Balances (as set out at Appendix E of the report) be noted.

(6)   That the Capital Programme as set out at Appendix F of the report be approved.