(Members Code of Conduct – Part 4A of the Constitution)

To receive disclosures of interests from members and co-opted members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

Notes:

(1)       Members must consider their interests, and act according to the following:

(2)       Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(3)       Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them.  A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 

(4)       Officers must disclose interests in accordance with Council Standing Order 44.

In addition to the disclosures circulated with the agenda in which Executive Members received a dispensation it was added that Councillor Duffy was a trustee for Café West in Allerton, which was a voluntary organisation in Allerton that had received funding.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2024, 11 January 2024, and 6 February 2024 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

(Yusuf Patel / Louis Kingdom – 07970 411923 / 07890 416570)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meetings held on 9 January 2024, 11 January 2024 and 6 February 2024 be signed as a correct record.

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

Any request to remove the restriction on a report or background paper should be made to the relevant Strategic Director or Assistant Director whose name is shown on the front page of the report. 

If that request is refused, there is a right of appeal to this meeting. 

Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

(Yusuf Patel / Louis Kingdom – 07970 411923 / 07890 416570)

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

To note any recommendations to the Executive that may be the subject of report to a future meeting.  (Schedule to be tabled at the meeting). 

(Yusuf Patel / Louis Kingdom – 07970 411923 / 07890 416570)

There were no recommendations to the Executive.

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

The Strategic Director of Corporate Resources will submit a report (Document “AO”) which makes recommendations for changes to Council Tax premiums for long term empty homes and second homes to incentivise occupation of property in the district and increase the housing stock.

Recommended –

(1)           Option 2 is the preferred option. That the Council introduce increased Council Tax Premium Charges as enabled by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.This would:

·        Reduce the minimum period for the implementation of a 100% Council Tax premium for empty and unfurnished properties from 2 years to 1 year from April 2024 and

·        Introduce a Council Tax premium of 100% in respect of second homes (properties that are empty and furnished) from April 2025.

(2)           Following a consultation on proposed exemptions, the Government is yet to publish the final list of exceptions. The Executive is asked to delegate the responsibility to implement the exceptions once finalised to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Caroline Lee – 07811 088655)

The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Document “AO”) made recommendations for changes to Council Tax premiums for long term empty homes and second homes to incentivise occupation of property in the district and increase the housing stock to support delivery of the Council’s Housing Strategy 2020-30 following the introduction of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The report was summarised, and Members were told that the proposed changes would align with Council priorities.

The Leader stated that Councils nationwide were considering similar options and waiting for guidance from government about how exceptions could be applied. It was confirmed that proposed exceptions were set out in the report but had not yet been finalised by government.

Resolved –

That it be recommended to Council:

(1)      That Option 2 is the preferred option. That the Council introduce increased Council Tax Premium Charges as enabled by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.This would:

·       Reduce the minimum period for the implementation of a 100% Council Tax premium for empty and unfurnished properties from 2 years to 1 year from April 2024 and

·       Introduce a Council Tax premium of 100% in respect of second homes (properties that are empty and furnished) from April 2025.

(2)      Following a consultation on proposed exemptions, the Government is yet to publish the final list of exceptions. That the Executive delegate the responsibility to implement the exceptions once finalised to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources.

To be actioned by: Director of Finance / Strategic Director, Corporate Resources

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Caroline Lee – 07811 088655)

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AL”) provides Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates for 2024/25. The report also outlines feedback received through the consultation undertaken on the budget proposals that Council Executive approved for consultation at their meeting of the 11 January 2024.

Recommended –

Executive is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Section 10 of Document “AL”.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Andrew Cross – 01274 436823)

The Head of Finance advised the Executive that it would be necessary and beneficial to present all budget items in conjunction with one another prior to taking questions. The Leader acknowledged that all items would be presented prior to questions and added that items would be voted on at the end of the meeting before adjournment for items to be considered at the Council meeting on 7^th March 2024.

The Head of Finance outlined the contents of (Document “AL”) which provided Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates for 2024/25. The report also outlined feedback that had been received through the consultation undertaken on the budget proposals that Council Executive approved for consultation at their meeting of the 11 January 2024. Members were told that reports were submitted to enable the Executive to make recommendations to budget Council in order to set a 24/25 budget. The Head of Finance explained that Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) was approved on 29 February 2024 which amounted to £140m and would allow for the Council to balance the budget. The figures contained within the report and the breakdown of costs and pressures were summarised by the Head of Finance. It was highlighted that the proposals would result in 113 redundancies and efforts would be made to redeploy the staff affected. The Council had developed a £60m asset disposal programme which would help fund the EFS and that plans were being developed to identify additional savings to enable the Council to return to a financially stable position.

The Equalities Impact and Consultation Feedback was outlined in Appendix G of Document “AL” and was summarised by the Senior Policy Officer who had coordinated the consultation. The means of consultation and the responses that had been received as part of the budget consultation, which closed on 17 February 2024, were outlined.

It was added that four petitions were received prior to the close of consultation and they were outlined in Appendix G. In addition, a late petition was also received that objected to the proposal to increase parking charges in Idle Village. It was summarised that the consultation feedback as a whole indicated that respondents were not in favour of the proposals, although it was acknowledged that this was expected.

Resolved –

In light of the Governments’ positive response to the Councils request for Exceptional Financial support, that it be recommended to Council:

(1)        REVENUE ESTIMATES2024-25

(a)       That the Base Revenue Forecast of £575.265m for 2024-25 be approved as set out in Appendix A to Document “AL”.

(b)       That the existing pressures of £48.7m in 2024-25 as set out in Appendix B to Document “AL” be approved.

(c)       That the investment of £42.1m in 2024-25 into the Bradford Children & Families Trust be approved.

(d)       That the prior agreed savings in Appendix C to Document “AL” be noted.

(e)       That new savings of £15.810m in 2024-25 as set out in Appendix D to Document “AL” be approved.

(f)         That the Capital Financing and Central budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AM”) seeks Executive approval of the recommendations of Bradford’s Schools Forum in allocating the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2024/25 and subsequent recommendation to Full Council.

Recommended –

It is recommended that the Executive asks Council to:

(1)           Accept and approve the proposals for the allocation of the 2024/25 Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in this report.

(2)           Approve the total amount of £759.852m to be appropriated in respect of all schools covered by the Bradford Scheme for the Local Management of Schools, so as to establish the Individual Schools Budget for 2024/25.

(3)           Note the forecasted High needs Block financial position as set out in the report and that Council raise with central Government the need for additional future funding for this area.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AM”) sought Executive approval of the recommendations of Bradford’s Schools Forum in allocating the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2024/25 and subsequent recommendation to Full Council. The report summarised the recommendations of the Schools Forum from 10 January 2024. Members were informed that a balanced Dedicated Schools Grant allocation was being set through the use of reserves although it was estimated that £23m of carry forward reserve would be used due mainly to demand pressures within the High Needs Block. The Executive were told that the forecasted overspend indicated a structural High Needs Block budget issue going forward, the Business Advisor briefly detailed the potential implications of this. It was highlighted that overspends in the High Needs Block were a common reason why authorities were recording cumulative and increasing deficits in their DSG accounts.

The Business Advisor stated that once the budget was set by Council, officers intended to contact the Department for Education funding agency to discuss the financial position and how it could be managed moving forward.

The Leader and Deputy Leader thanked schools and the Schools Forum for the valuable work they undertake in difficult financial times.

Resolved –

That it be recommended to Council:

a)    That the proposals for the allocation of the 2024/25 Dedicated Schools Grant, as set out in Document “AM” be approved and accepted.

b)    That the total amount of £759.852m to be appropriated in respect of all schools covered by the Bradford Scheme for the Local Management of Schools, so as to establish the Individual Schools Budget for 2024/25 be approved.

c)    That the forecasted High needs Block financial position as set out in the report be noted and that Council raise with central Government the need for additional future funding for this area.

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AN”) presents the Council’s Capital Investment Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28 in Section A. Section B presents an updated Capital Strategy for 2024-25. This strategy underpins the spending proposals within the Capital Investment Plan.Section C presents the Investment Strategy for 2024-25.

Recommended–

(1)           Executive are asked to note the contents of this report and to have regard to the information contained within this report when considering the recommendations to make to Council on the CIP for 2024-25.

(2)           That the updated Capital Plan for 2024-28, be approved; (Appendix A). Commitments against reserve schemes and contingencies can only be made after a business case has been assessed by Project Appraisal Group and approved by Executive.

(3)           That Members agree that the Council undertakes a review of the capital programme.

(4)           The 2024-25 MRP Policy set out in Appendix 2 is approved.

(5)           That the Capital Strategy (including Prudential Indicators), set out at Appendix 3, be approved.

(6)           That the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts policy (section 8) is approved. Delegate authority to the Section 151 officer to have the option to adjust this strategy and fund transformation projects from capital receipts to ensure that the Council achieves the most advantageous financial position that derives from proposals that are not yet agreed by Government.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Lynsey Simenton – 07582 102779)

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AN”) proposed the Council’s Capital Investment Plan (CIP) from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The report also included for 2024-25: The Capital Strategy (Section B) and the Investment Strategy (Section C). The report was summarised, and it was highlighted that Section 4 set out the budgeted spend on long term assets over the next four years. One of the recommendations of the report was a further review of the Capital Investment Plan, which would focus on all schemes within the Capital Plan and look for the potential for deferral, reduction, or alternative funding options. The Executive were informed that any review of the Capital Investment Plan would look to reduce financing costs by reducing the amount of spend funded by borrowing.

Attention was given to the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts, and it was stated that in 2024-25 the Council was not planning on doing this as the benefits of these flexibilities were already part of the Councils Exceptional Financial Support request. The Council’s strategy would focus on the use of capital receipts to reduce the borrowing need for the capitalisation direction. It was acknowledged that the Government were consulting on changes to the capital receipts flexibilities that are open to all Councils without the need to apply for Exceptional Financial Support, and if these proposed changes were proven to be financially beneficial then the Council would seek to take advantage of this.

Resolved –

That it be recommended to Council:

(1)           That the contents of Document “AN” and the information contained within be noted whilst considering the recommendations to make to Council on the CIP for 2024-25.

(2)           That the updated Capital Plan for 2024-28, be approved; (Appendix A). Commitments against reserve schemes and contingencies can only be made after a business case has been assessed by Project Appraisal Group and approved by Executive.

(3)           That it be agreed that the Council undertakes a review of the capital programme.

(4)           The 2024-25 MRP Policy set out in Appendix 2 to Document “AN” be approved.

(5)           That the Capital Strategy (including Prudential Indicators), set out at Appendix 3 to Document “AN”, be approved.

(6)           That the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts policy (section 8) be approved. That authority be delegated to the Section 151 officer to have the option to adjust this strategy and fund transformation projects from capital receipts to ensure that the Council achieves the most advantageous financial position that derives from proposals that are not yet agreed by Government.

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Lynsey Simenton – 07582 102779)

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “AP”) which assesses the adequacy of forecast levels of reserves, the risks associated with the budget, the overall financial position of the Council, the developing financial strategy and actions needed and being taken to secure the Council’s long term financial stability and the robustness of the proposed budget for 2024/25.

Recommended –

(1)           That Members have regard to Document “AP” in setting the budget, and in particular note the conclusions that provided that :

·       the current and planned actions are successfully concluded ie that the emerging financial strategy is agreed and implemented in full;

·       the Government supports the Council with a “minded to” Capitalisation Direction and will agree to do so in future years;

·       the recommendations in Document “AP” are agreed and actioned in full;

·       then the overall estimates are sufficiently robust for the Council to set a balanced budget for 2024/25.

(2)           That Members agree:

·       that the level of general reserves is inadequate at £33m and that reserves need to replenished

·       that there is accordingly no planned use of reserves to support the 2024/25 budget;

·       to  required implementation in full of the emerging financial strategy ie that the Council:

·       identifies an estimated £40m of revenue savings for 2025/26;

·       identifies assets to be sold to generate capital receipts;

·       undertakes a review of the capital programme;

·       considers increasing income;

·       operates expenditure control panels as set out in the report from 1 April 2024;

·       undertakes a full review of financial management and finances of the Council;

·       invests in core functions necessary and subject to business cases;

·       any non delivery of planned 2024/25 revenue savings will need to be absorbed within existing cash limited Departmental budgets.

(3)           That Members note:

·       the assessment of the current financial position of the Council;

·       that this assessment is the result of emerging and recent work.  The situation will change and the estimated financial position and solutions will require continual development and refinement and will likewise vary as the year progresses;

·       the s151 officer is not minded to issue a s114 notice at this point working on the basis that the above assumptions will be supported and seen through on time and in full;

·       given the extremely challenging financial situation the Council finds itself in, which it has in recent months started to address, if the recommendations are not agreed, or if the assumptions are not delivered as assumed then very serious consideration will be given to the issuing of a s114 notice

·       that the 2024/25 savings are being reviewed for deliverability;

·       as with all budgets there is the potential for amendments to be proposed/agreed which could change the overall package of proposals. In that respect, it should be highlighted that this statement would have to be amended if a decision was proposed that leads to the Council’s reserves reducing below their recommended General Fund balance level. In addition, any other amendments would be considered against the scale of the overall budget and depending upon the extent and nature,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 92.

The Director of Finance presented (Document “AP”) which assessed the adequacy of forecast levels of reserves, the risks associated with the budget, the overall financial position of the Council, the developing financial strategy and actions needed and being taken to secure the Council’s long term financial stability and the robustness of the proposed budget for 2024/25.

It was stated that reserves were at a minimum level and would need to be increased in future years. It was added that the Council were supported by Government through the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), with £80m in 2023/24 and £140m in 2024/25, and this would need to be reflected in the recommendations to Council to reflect the positive response from Government. The need for financial sustainability was addressed and measures such as revenue savings, reduction of borrowing, sale of assets, income increases, and expenditure control panels from 1 April 2024.

The Director of Finance summarised that the budget was robust and that a Section 114 would not be issued at this stage, although if the actions were undelivered then this would need to be considered in the future.

The Leader thanked the finance department for their work over the past year and acknowledge the difficulty of the budget. It was noted that Executive Members had considered the EQIA assessments alongside the consultation responses. The Leader welcomed the Exceptional Financial Support announced by Government but highlighted that this would need to be repaid, therefore it was necessary to become financially sustainable by identifying opportunities for savings.

Following consideration of all the budget reports, as per the advice from the Head of Finance, the Leader invited Executive Members, Councillors in attendance as well as lead petitioners to ask questions and speak on the items that had been presented to the Executive.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families stated that since the inception of the Bradford Children and Families Trust (BCFT) a good working relationship had been developed with the Council and this was constantly improving with systematic improvement evident. The work of the BCFT was praised and the demand pressures were acknowledged.

The Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety highlighted the importance of the Household Support Fund (HSF) due to the level of need within society. Partnership working to support people with the cost of living was summarised.

The Leader invited a Ward Councillor to speak on the Victoria Hall petition and it was stated that the Community Asset Transfer was progressing well which was promising. The Council were thanked for their engagement and collaboration with Queensbury Community Programme (QCP). Residents were thanked for their support.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport spoke positively about the collaboration between QCP, ward councillors, and Council officers and the progress this unlocked. It was stated that productive discussions were ongoing with QCP and that there was hope that a solution could be found to secure the future of the building.

The lead petitioner for Ford Hill Queensbury Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) addressed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.