Resolved –

 

(1)      That the wide range of applications from groups and        organisations across Bradford South are noted and   welcomed.

 

(2)      That the Grants Advisory Group is thanked for their work in allocating all of the grants from the past financial year – 2023/2024.

 

(3)       That a new Grants Advisory Group be set up in the new Municipal Year.

 

 

To be actioned by: Bradford South Area Coordinator 

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Ishaq Shafiq – 01274 431155)

 

 

Resolved –

 

(1)     That the objections to the proposed right-turn ban from Hutton Road to Southfield Road have been taken into account and determined not to outweigh the benefits of the proposed scheme and therefore that the Order be sealed and scheme implemented as advertised.

 

(2)     That the objectors be informed accordingly.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Andrew Smith – 01274 434674)

 

Resolved –

 

That the proposed programme of works as shown in Appendix 1 and 2 to Document “AE” be approved.

 To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Andrew Whelan – 01274 434409)

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That the petition be noted.

 

(2)      That a further traffic survey be undertaken on Back Lane which in addition to measuring speeds and traffic volumes also captures vehicle weight, and that the survey be undertaken at a time and place in consultation with ward councillors and local residents. The results of the traffic survey be brought back to the Area Committee for further consideration.

 

(3)      That the petitioners be informed accordingly.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place 

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Andrew Smith – 01274 434674)

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That after considering the objections and any material points raised therein, the proposals for Rook Lane be amended so that the double yellows lines are spaced sufficiently to prevent HGV parking, and that this be trialled for one year and its impacts brought back to this Area Committee for further consideration.

 

(2)      That the Order be sealed and implemented as otherwise advertised.

 

(3)     That the objectors be informed accordingly.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Andrew Smith – 01274 434674)

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That Option 2 be 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

 

 

Resolved –

 

That the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2024/25 as set out at Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Human Resources

 

 

6.                 THE COUNCIL'S REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 2024-25

 

Resolved –

  

(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 adjustments of £4.430m in 2024-25 as set out in Appendix E to Document “AL” be approved.

 

(g)       That time-limited Transformation costs and additional contingencies of £50m 2024-25 as set out in Appendix F to Document “AL” be approved.

 

(h)       That the comments of the Director of Finance set out in the Section 151 Officer’s Assessment of the proposed budgets on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves taking account of the recommendations made at 1.1(a) to (g) above be noted

 

(i)         That the consultation response outlined in Appendix G to Document “AL” be noted.

 

 

(2)        PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX2024/25

 

(a)        That it be noted that the projected council tax base and expenditure forecasts outlined in this report together with the 2024-25 resources and the budget variations approvedin 10.1 producea proposedBand Dcouncil taxof £1,701.86 for 2024-25. This is a £80.88 (4.99%) increase from 2023-24.

 

 

(3)        PAYMENT DATES FOR COUNCIL TAX AND NATIONALNON-DOMESTIC RATES

 

(a)        That the first instalment date for payment of National Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax shall be specified by the s151Officer.

 

 

(4)        DELEGATION TOOFFICERS

 

(a)        That for the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to any of the powers contained in Article 14 of Part 2 of the Council's Constitution on the Function of Officers, the s151 Officer shall have full delegated powers to act on behalf of the Council on all matters relating to the Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Accounts Receivable Debtors including (without prejudice to the generality of the delegation) entry into any business rate pools, pilots, assessments, determinations, recovery, enforcement and, in accordance with the statutory scheme, full delegated powers to act on behalf of the Council with regard to all aspects of the granting of Discretionary and Hardship Rate Relief to qualifyingratepayers.

 

(5)           HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT         

 

(a)           Approve the HRA budget as set out in section 5.

 

 

(6)        PREPARATION OFACCOUNTS

 

(a)       That in preparing the Final Accounts for 2023-24, the s151 Officer be empowered to take appropriate steps to secure the best advantage for the Council's financialposition.

 

(b)       That the s151 Officer be empowered to deal with items which involve the transfer of net spending between the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 in a manner which secures the best advantage for the Council's financial position.

 

(c)       That the s151 Officer report any action taken in pursuance of 10.5(a) and 10.5 (b) above when reporting on the Final Accounts for 2024-25.

 

(7)         COUNCIL TAX REQUIREMENT2024-25

 

(a)       That the council tax base figures for 2024-25 calculated by the Council at its meeting on 9th January 2024 in respect of the whole of the Council’s area and individual parish and town council areas benoted.

 

(b)       That the only special items for 2024-25 under Section 35 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 are local parish and town council precepts and no expenses are to be treated as special expenses under Section 35(1) (b) of that Act.

 

(c)       That the Council Tax Requirement, excluding parish and town council precepts, be calculated asfollows:

 

Gross expenditure	£1,454,259,600
Income	£1,204,095,315
Council Tax requirement (inc Parish precept)	£250,164,285
Council tax base	144,890
Basic amount of council tax	£1,726.58
Adjustment in respect of parish and town council precepts	£  24.72
Basic amount excluding parish and town councils	£1,701.86

 

 

(d)                That the precepts of parish and town councils are noted and the resulting basic council tax amounts for particular areas of the Council be calculated as follows:

 

Parish or Town Council Area	Local Precept	Council Tax Base	Parish/Town Council Tax	Whole Area Council Tax	Basic Council Tax Amount
	£		£	£	£
Addingham	109,000	1,771	61.55	1,701.86	1,763.41
Baildon	316,908	6,305	50.26	1,701.86	1,752.12
Bingley	238,290	8,587	27.75	1,701.86	1,729.61
Burley	278,944	3,034	91.94	1,701.86	1,793.80
Clayton	71,944	2,513	28.63	1,701.86	1,730.49
Cross Roads	46,340	1,016	45.61	1,701.86	1,747.47
Cullingworth	49,730	1,326	37.50	1,701.86	1,739.36
Denholme	60,550	1,212	49.96	1,701.86	1,751.82
Harden	54,795	844	64.92	1,701.86	1,766.78
Haworth and Stanbury	64,107	1,377	46.56	1,701.86	1,748.42
Ilkley	399,414	7,246	55.12	1,701.86	1,756.98
Keighley	1,136,626	15,243	74.57	1,701.86	1,776.43
Menston	131,152	2,342	56.00	1,701.86	1,757.86
Oxenhope	55,360	1,050	52.72	1,701.86	1,754.58
Sandy Lane	15,588	867	17.98	1,701.86	1,719.84
Shipley	189,135	4,702	40.22	1,701.86	1,742.08
Silsden	123,500	3,237	38.15	1,701.86	1,740.01
Steeton with Eastburn	91,261	1,786	51.10	1,701.86	1,752.96
Wilsden	112,500	1,772	63.49	1,701.86	1,765.35
Wrose	36,250	2,198	16.49	1,701.86	1,718.35
Total of all local precepts	3,581,394	68,428

 

(e)             That the council tax amounts for dwellings in different valuation bands in respect of the Council’s budget requirement, taking into account parish and town council precepts applicable to only part of the Council’s area, be calculated as follows:

 

	Council Tax Amount for Each Valuation Band
	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,134.57	1,323.67	1,512.76	1,701.86	2,080.05	2,458.24	2,836.43	3,403.72
The parish and town council areas of:
Addingham	1,175.61	1,371.54	1,567.48	1,763.41	2,155.28	2,547.15	2,939.02	3,526.82
Baildon	1,168.08	1,362.76	1,557.44	1,752.12	2,141.48	2,530.84	2,920.20	3,504.24
Bingley	1,153.07	1,345.25	1,537.43	1,729.61	2,113.97	2,498.33	2,882.68	3,459.22
Burley	1,195.87	1,395.18	1,594.49	1,793.80	2,192.42	2,591.04	2,989.67	3,587.60
Clayton	1,153.66	1,345.94	1,538.21	1,730.49	2,115.04	2,499.60	2,884.15	3,460.98
Crossroads	1,164.98	1,359.14	1,553.31	1,747.47	2,135.80	2,524.12	2,912.45	3,494.94
Cullingworth	1,159.57	1,352.84	1,546.10	1,739.36	2,125.88	2,512.41	2,898.93	3,478.72
Denholme	1,167.88	1,362.53	1,557.17	1,751.82	2,141.11	2,530.41	2,919.70	3,503.64
Harden	1,177.85	1,374.16	1,570.47	1,766.78	2,159.40	2,552.02	2,944.63	3,533.56
Haworth and Stanbury	1,165.61	1,359.88	1,554.15	1,748.42	2,136.96	2,525.50	2,914.03	3,496.84
Ilkley	1,171.32	1,366.54	1,561.76	1,756.98	2,147.42	2,537.86	2,928.30	3,513.96
Keighley	1,184.29	1,381.67	1,579.05	1,776.43	2,171.19	2,565.95	2,960.72	3,552.86
Menston	1,171.91	1,367.22	1,562.54	1,757.86	2,148.50	2,539.13	2,929.77	3,515.72
Oxenhope	1,169.72	1,364.67	1,559.63	1,754.58	2,144.49	2,534.39	2,924.30	3,509.16
Sandy Lane	1,146.56	1,337.65	1,528.75	1,719.84	2,102.03	2,484.21	2,866.40	3,439.68
Shipley	1,161.39	1,354.95	1,548.52	1,742.08	2,129.21	2,516.34	2,903.47	3,484.16
Silsden	1,160.01	1,353.34	1,546.68	1,740.01	2,126.68	2,513.35	2,900.02	3,480.02
Steeton with Eastburn	1,168.64	1,363.41	1,558.19	1,752.96	2,142.51	2,532.05	2,921.60	3,505.92
Wilsden	1,176.90	1,373.05	1,569.20	1,765.35	2,157.65	2,549.95	2,942.25	3,530.70
Wrose	1,145.57	1,336.49	1,527.42	1,718.35	2,100.21	2,482.06	2,863.92	3,436.70

 

(f)            That it be noted that for the year 2024-25 the Police and Crime Commissioner and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (WYFRA) have notified their precepts to be:

Precept	Council Tax Amount for Each Valuation Band
Amount	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority
11,517,306	52.99	61.83	70.66	79.49	97.15	114.82	132.48	158.98
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire
36,118,179	166.19	193.88	221.58	249.28	304.68	360.07	415.47	498.56

 

(g)         That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, the Council set the following amounts of council tax for 2024-25 in each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,353.75	1,579.38	1,805.00	2,030.63	2,481.88	2,933.13	3,384.38	4,061.26
The parish and town council areas of:
Addingham	1,394.79	1,627.25	1,859.72	2,092.18	2,557.11	3,022.04	3,486.97	4,184.36
Baildon	1,387.26	1,618.47	1,849.68	2,080.89	2,543.31	3,005.73	3,468.15	4,161.78
Bingley	1,372.25	1,600.96	1,829.67	2,058.38	2,515.80	2,973.22	3,430.63	4,116.76
Burley	1,415.05	1,650.89	1,886.73	2,122.57	2,594.25	3,065.93	3,537.62	4,245.14
Clayton	1,372.84	1,601.65	1,830.45	2,059.26	2,516.87	2,974.49	3,432.10	4,118.52
Crossroads	1,384.16	1,614.85	1,845.55	2,076.24	2,537.63	2,999.01	3,460.40	4,152.48
Cullingworth	1,378.75	1,608.55	1,838.34	2,068.13	2,527.71	2,987.30	3,446.88	4,136.26
Denholme	1,387.06	1,618.24	1,849.41	2,080.59	2,542.94	3,005.30	3,467.65	4,161.18
Harden	1,397.03	1,629.87	1,862.71	2,095.55	2,561.23	3,026.91	3,492.58	4,191.10
Haworth and Stanbury	1,384.79	1,615.59	1,846.39	2,077.19	2,538.79	3,000.39	3,461.98	4,154.38
Ilkley	1,390.50	1,622.25	1,854.00	2,085.75	2,549.25	3,012.75	3,476.25	4,171.50
Keighley	1,403.47	1,637.38	1,871.29	2,105.20	2,573.02	3,040.84	3,508.67	4,210.40
Menston	1,391.09	1,622.93	1,854.78	2,086.63	2,550.33	3,014.02	3,477.72	4,173.26
Oxenhope	1,388.90	1,620.38	1,851.87	2,083.35	2,546.32	3,009.28	3,472.25	4,166.70
Sandy Lane	1,365.74	1,593.36	1,820.99	2,048.61	2,503.86	2,959.10	3,414.35	4,097.22
Shipley	1,380.57	1,610.66	1,840.76	2,070.85	2,531.04	2,991.23	3,451.42	4,141.70
Silsden	1,379.19	1,609.05	1,838.92	2,068.78	2,528.51	2,988.24	3,447.97	4,137.56
Steeton with Eastburn	1,387.82	1,619.12	1,850.43	2,081.73	2,544.34	3,006.94	3,469.55	4,163.46
Wilsden	1,396.08	1,628.76	1,861.44	2,094.12	2,559.48	3,024.84	3,490.20	4,188.24
Wrose	1,364.75	1,592.20	1,819.66	2,047.12	2,502.04	2,956.95	3,411.87	4,094.24

 

(h)  That Council notes the movement in Band D equivalent charges for 2024-25 over 2023-24 as set out in the table below.

	Council Tax 2024-25	Council Tax 2023-24	Percentage change 2023-24 on 2024-25
	Band D Equivalent	Band D Equivalent
Bradford Metropolitan District Council	1,701.86	1,620.98	4.99%
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority *	79.49	77.18	2.99%
West Yorkshire Police Authority *	249.28	236.28	5.50%
Local (Parish Council) Precepts:
Addingham	61.55	56.26	9.4%
Baildon	50.26	48.83	2.9%
Bingley	27.75	27.74	0.0%
Burley	91.94	88.00	4.5%
Clayton	28.63	27.32	4.8%
Crossroads	45.61	New	100.0%
Cullingworth	37.50	34.39	9.0%
Denholme	49.96	45.00	11.0%
Harden	64.92	58.00	11.9%
Haworth etc	46.56	44.52	4.6%
Ilkley	55.12	54.33	1.5%
Keighley	74.57	52.50	42.0%
Menston	56.00	54.00	3.7%
Oxenhope	52.72	40.00	31.8%
Sandy Lane	17.98	18.40	-2.3%
Shipley	40.22	35.00	14.9%
Silsden	38.15	28.70	32.9%
Steeton/ Eastburn	51.10	48.46	5.4%
Wilsden	63.49	54.01	17.6%
Wrose	16.49	15.50	6.4%

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

 

7.                 ALLOCATION OF THE SCHOOLS' BUDGET 2024-25

 

Resolved –

 

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

 

(2)           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.

 

(3)           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

 

 

8.                 THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN 2024-25 ONWARDS

 

Resolved –

  

(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

 

 

9.                 2024-25 BUDGET PROPOSALS AND FORECAST RESERVES- S151 OFFICER ASSESSMENT

 

Resolved –

  

(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, in light of a positive response from Government, 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, may result in a revised statement.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

 

Resolved –

 

That option 1 be approved to:

 

Note the petitioners’ concerns and recommend no further action other than:

 

i.    Avondale Road remaining on the list of scheme candidates to be considered annually by this Committee for possible inclusion within its future Safer Roads Programme.

 

ii.   West Yorkshire Police be formally advised of the petitioners’ concerns regarding speeding on Avondale Road.

 

iii. The lead petitioner be advised accordingly.

 

To be Actioned by:  Strategic Director, Place

 

Resolved –

 

1.          That Inspector Craig Stothers, West Yorkshire Police, be thanked for his continued support and contribution to the work carried out in the Shipley Constituency.

 

2.          That the work undertaken by the Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team from 1 January and 31 December 2023 that contributed to addressing priorities within the ward plans for the Shipley area be noted.

 

3.          That the positive partnership working that has been established with elected members, council officers, community organisations, volunteers and residents within the Shipley area be noted.  

 

To be actioned by:  Shipley Area Co-ordinators

 

Resolved –

 

That the proposed list of schemes for 2024/25 as shown in Document “W” Appendices 2 and 3 be approved.

 

To be Actioned by:  Strategic Director, Place

 

This report presents a progress update of the Bradford East Locality Plan 2022-2025.

 

The update reports on actions taken to address the Key Priorities for the constituency as a whole. These priorities follow the same themes as the priority outcomes of the council as a whole.

Resolved –

 

(1)      The Executive commented on the Bradford East Locality Plan – Progress Update 2022/23, as set out in Appendix A to Document “AQ”.

 

(2)      That it be requested that the Bradford East Area Co-ordinator, accompanied by the Chair of Bradford East Area Committee, presents a progress report to the Executive in 12 months time, setting out the progress and achievements made for each of the priorities detailed in the Bradford East Locality Plan during 2023/24.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate / Health & Social Care

 

(Louise Williams – 01274 431066)

 

 

This report sets out the proposed approach to conducting a Review of Bradford Sports Facilities Service during 2024, in order to make savings of £60k in 2024/25 rising to £1,250,000 by 2025/26 financial year.

Resolved –

 

That the progress made to date and information provided in Document “AU” be noted and that the Strategic Director of Place be instructed to continue the Sports Facilities Review and report back to Executive when the proposals are ready for public consultation.

 

To be actioned: Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration and Environment

 

(Phil Barker - 01274 432616)

 

Service Review of Libraries to identify how overall operating costs can be reduced, while still providing for the needs of the district’s community. This review will focus on the overall costs of the library services which are to review facility operating costs, usage data, property and asset stock-condition and the potential for alternative operating models.

Resolved –

 

That the methodology and timescales for the Strategic Review of Libraries as outlined in section 3 to Document “AT” be agreed, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to bring a further report with the results of the data assessment work and initial options for savings at the appropriate time. 

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

 

(Phil Barker - 01274 432616)

 

The purpose of the report is to set out the issues that have been identified in relation to the historic setting of rents and service charges within the Housing Revenue Account.

Resolved –

  

(1)       That the identified issues in relation to the rent standard for      social housing as set out within Document “AV” and the financial             implications thereof be noted.

 

(2)      That the process of refunding tenants and former tenants in      respect to any overcharging that has occurred since April 2020 be approved.

 

(3)       That the actions undertaken to resolve the existing breach of    regulatory standards and to prevent future breaches from   occurring be noted.

 

(4)       That the Strategic Director Place be instructed to confirm with the       Regulator of Social Housing the measures put in place to resolve         the breach of the rent standard and to ensure future     regulatory compliance.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

 

(Alan Lunt - 01274 434748)

 

To determine the School Admission Arrangements and Published Admission Numbers for all Community schools and to agree the Co-ordinated Schemes for all primary and secondary schools in Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Resolved –

 

(1)      That the Primary and Secondary Admission Arrangements be approved.

 

(2)      That the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

 

(3)      That the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

 

(4)      That the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for own admission schools listed in Appendix E to Document “AS” be noted.

 

(5)      That the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix G to Document “AS” be noted.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Children’s Services

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Children’s Services

 

(Rachel Phillips - 01274 439215)

 

This report provides an overview of the proposed Level Four Devolution Framework and the key powers on offer to eligible institutions, as set out in the Government’s published technical guidance. The report requests ratification of the Bradford Council’s decision to commence negotiating Level Four powers for West Yorkshire.

Resolved –

 

That the Council’s support for the Combined Authority’s application to begin talks on adopting new Level 4 Devolution powers be ratified.

 

To be actioned by: Chief Executive

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate 

(Ruth Davison - 01274 431431)

 

For the Executive to consider and agree to a two-year disposal programme of surplus to requirements property and land assets for the purposes of generating capital receipts.  The Programme will identify methodology for disposals, details of assets to be disposed of, timescales and estimated capital receipt generation together with appropriate governance for monitoring the programme.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)      That the contents of Document “AX” be approved.

          

(2)      That delegation be approved to award appropriate consultancy

            contracts in relation to the delivery of the Programme to             the      Strategic Director, Corporate Resources in consultation with the    Director of Finance and the Head of Procurement.

 

(3)      That the reporting process detailed at 2.42 to Document “AX” be          agreed.    

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Corporate Resources

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate 

(Michael Watkins)

 

The report will present the updated Local Development Scheme which sets out the scope and programme for the preparation of the Local plan documents over the next 3 years.  The LDS was last update in July 2021 and the update takes account of the progress to date, as well as, changes in circumstance and sets out the revised timescales to get to adoption of the new single Local plan, together with consideration of the resources and governance to support its progress.

 

Resolved –

 

That the Local Development Scheme contained in Appendix 1 to Document “AW” be approved and brought into effect from the 13^th March 2024.

 

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Andrew Marshall – 01274 434050)

 

This report 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.

The Executive is asked to apply the discretion given to Local Authorities by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 to:

• 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.

Exceptions to the premiums are set by the Government and will be applied once confirmed.

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)

 

A report produced by the Council's s151 Officer to provide an assessment on the 2024-25 Budget Proposals and forecast reserve position.

 

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to Council that:

 

(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, in light of a positive response from Government, 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, may result in a revised statement.

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Andrew Cross – 01274 436823)

The report 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.

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)

 

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 provides Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates (The Council’s Budget) for 2024/25.

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 adjustments of £4.430m in 2024-25 as set out in Appendix E to Document “AL” be approved.

 

(g)       That time-limited Transformation costs and additional contingencies of £50m 2024-25 as set out in Appendix F to Document “AL” be approved.

 

(h)       That the comments of the Director of Finance set out in the Section 151 Officer’s Assessment of the proposed budgets on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves taking account of the recommendations made at 1.1(a) to (g) above be noted

 

(i)         That the consultation response outlined in Appendix G to Document “AL” be noted.

 

 

(2)        PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX2024/25

 

(a)        That it be noted that the projected council tax base and expenditure forecasts outlined in this report together with the 2024-25 resources and the budget variations approvedin 10.1 producea proposedBand Dcouncil taxof £1,701.86 for 2024-25. This is a £80.88 (4.99%) increase from 2023-24.

 

 

(3)        PAYMENT DATES FOR COUNCIL TAX AND NATIONALNON-DOMESTIC RATES

 

(a)        That the first instalment date for payment of National Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax shall be specified by the s151Officer.

 

 

(4)        DELEGATION TOOFFICERS

 

(a)        That for the avoidance of doubt and without prejudice to any of the powers contained in Article 14 of Part 2 of the Council's Constitution on the Function of Officers, the s151 Officer shall have full delegated powers to act on behalf of the Council on all matters relating to the Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Accounts Receivable Debtors including (without prejudice to the generality of the delegation) entry into any business rate pools, pilots, assessments, determinations, recovery, enforcement and, in accordance with the statutory scheme, full delegated powers to act on behalf of the Council with regard to all aspects of the granting of Discretionary and Hardship Rate Relief to qualifyingratepayers.

 

(5)           HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT         

 

(a)           Approve the HRA budget as set out in section 5.

 

 

(6)        PREPARATION OFACCOUNTS

 

(a)       That in preparing the Final Accounts for 2023-24, the s151 Officer be empowered to take appropriate steps to secure the best advantage for the Council's financialposition.

 

(b)       That the s151 Officer be empowered to deal with items which involve the transfer of net spending between the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 in a manner which secures the best advantage for the Council's financial position.

 

(c)       That the s151 Officer report any action taken in pursuance of 10.5(a) and 10.5 (b) above when reporting on the Final Accounts for 2024-25.

 

(7)         COUNCIL TAX REQUIREMENT 2024-25

 

(a)       That the council tax base figures for 2024-25 calculated by the Council at its meeting on 9th January 2024 in respect of the whole of the Council’s area and individual parish and town council areas benoted.

 

(b)       That the only special items for 2024-25 under Section 35 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 are local parish and town council precepts and no expenses are to be treated as special expenses under Section 35(1) (b) of that Act.

 

(c)       That the Council Tax Requirement, excluding parish and town council precepts, be calculated asfollows:

 

Gross expenditure	£1,454,259,600
Income	£1,204,095,315
Council Tax requirement (inc Parish precept)	£250,164,285
Council tax base	144,890
Basic amount of council tax	£1,726.58
Adjustment in respect of parish and town council precepts	£  24.72
Basic amount excluding parish and town councils	£1,701.86

 

 

(d)                That the precepts of parish and town councils are noted and the resulting basic council tax amounts for particular areas of the Council be calculated as follows:

 

Parish or Town Council Area	Local Precept	Council Tax Base	Parish/Town Council Tax	Whole Area Council Tax	Basic Council Tax Amount
	£		£	£	£
Addingham	109,000	1,771	61.55	1,701.86	1,763.41
Baildon	316,908	6,305	50.26	1,701.86	1,752.12
Bingley	238,290	8,587	27.75	1,701.86	1,729.61
Burley	278,944	3,034	91.94	1,701.86	1,793.80
Clayton	71,944	2,513	28.63	1,701.86	1,730.49
Cross Roads	46,340	1,016	45.61	1,701.86	1,747.47
Cullingworth	49,730	1,326	37.50	1,701.86	1,739.36
Denholme	60,550	1,212	49.96	1,701.86	1,751.82
Harden	54,795	844	64.92	1,701.86	1,766.78
Haworth and Stanbury	64,107	1,377	46.56	1,701.86	1,748.42
Ilkley	399,414	7,246	55.12	1,701.86	1,756.98
Keighley	1,136,626	15,243	74.57	1,701.86	1,776.43
Menston	131,152	2,342	56.00	1,701.86	1,757.86
Oxenhope	55,360	1,050	52.72	1,701.86	1,754.58
Sandy Lane	15,588	867	17.98	1,701.86	1,719.84
Shipley	189,135	4,702	40.22	1,701.86	1,742.08
Silsden	123,500	3,237	38.15	1,701.86	1,740.01
Steeton with Eastburn	91,261	1,786	51.10	1,701.86	1,752.96
Wilsden	112,500	1,772	63.49	1,701.86	1,765.35
Wrose	36,250	2,198	16.49	1,701.86	1,718.35
Total of all local precepts	3,581,394	68,428

 

(e)             That the council tax amounts for dwellings in different valuation bands in respect of the Council’s budget requirement, taking into account parish and town council precepts applicable to only part of the Council’s area, be calculated as follows:

 

	Council Tax Amount for Each Valuation Band
	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,134.57	1,323.67	1,512.76	1,701.86	2,080.05	2,458.24	2,836.43	3,403.72
The parish and town council areas of:
Addingham	1,175.61	1,371.54	1,567.48	1,763.41	2,155.28	2,547.15	2,939.02	3,526.82
Baildon	1,168.08	1,362.76	1,557.44	1,752.12	2,141.48	2,530.84	2,920.20	3,504.24
Bingley	1,153.07	1,345.25	1,537.43	1,729.61	2,113.97	2,498.33	2,882.68	3,459.22
Burley	1,195.87	1,395.18	1,594.49	1,793.80	2,192.42	2,591.04	2,989.67	3,587.60
Clayton	1,153.66	1,345.94	1,538.21	1,730.49	2,115.04	2,499.60	2,884.15	3,460.98
Crossroads	1,164.98	1,359.14	1,553.31	1,747.47	2,135.80	2,524.12	2,912.45	3,494.94
Cullingworth	1,159.57	1,352.84	1,546.10	1,739.36	2,125.88	2,512.41	2,898.93	3,478.72
Denholme	1,167.88	1,362.53	1,557.17	1,751.82	2,141.11	2,530.41	2,919.70	3,503.64
Harden	1,177.85	1,374.16	1,570.47	1,766.78	2,159.40	2,552.02	2,944.63	3,533.56
Haworth and Stanbury	1,165.61	1,359.88	1,554.15	1,748.42	2,136.96	2,525.50	2,914.03	3,496.84
Ilkley	1,171.32	1,366.54	1,561.76	1,756.98	2,147.42	2,537.86	2,928.30	3,513.96
Keighley	1,184.29	1,381.67	1,579.05	1,776.43	2,171.19	2,565.95	2,960.72	3,552.86
Menston	1,171.91	1,367.22	1,562.54	1,757.86	2,148.50	2,539.13	2,929.77	3,515.72
Oxenhope	1,169.72	1,364.67	1,559.63	1,754.58	2,144.49	2,534.39	2,924.30	3,509.16
Sandy Lane	1,146.56	1,337.65	1,528.75	1,719.84	2,102.03	2,484.21	2,866.40	3,439.68
Shipley	1,161.39	1,354.95	1,548.52	1,742.08	2,129.21	2,516.34	2,903.47	3,484.16
Silsden	1,160.01	1,353.34	1,546.68	1,740.01	2,126.68	2,513.35	2,900.02	3,480.02
Steeton with Eastburn	1,168.64	1,363.41	1,558.19	1,752.96	2,142.51	2,532.05	2,921.60	3,505.92
Wilsden	1,176.90	1,373.05	1,569.20	1,765.35	2,157.65	2,549.95	2,942.25	3,530.70
Wrose	1,145.57	1,336.49	1,527.42	1,718.35	2,100.21	2,482.06	2,863.92	3,436.70

 

(f)            That it be noted that for the year 2024-25 the Police and Crime Commissioner and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (WYFRA) have notified their precepts to be:

Precept	Council Tax Amount for Each Valuation Band
Amount	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority
11,517,306	52.99	61.83	70.66	79.49	97.15	114.82	132.48	158.98
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire
36,118,179	166.19	193.88	221.58	249.28	304.68	360.07	415.47	498.56

(g)         That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (e) and (f) above, the Council set the following amounts of council tax for 2024-25 in each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
All parts of the Council’s area other than those below	1,353.75	1,579.38	1,805.00	2,030.63	2,481.88	2,933.13	3,384.38	4,061.26
The parish and town council areas of:
Addingham	1,394.79	1,627.25	1,859.72	2,092.18	2,557.11	3,022.04	3,486.97	4,184.36
Baildon	1,387.26	1,618.47	1,849.68	2,080.89	2,543.31	3,005.73	3,468.15	4,161.78
Bingley	1,372.25	1,600.96	1,829.67	2,058.38	2,515.80	2,973.22	3,430.63	4,116.76
Burley	1,415.05	1,650.89	1,886.73	2,122.57	2,594.25	3,065.93	3,537.62	4,245.14
Clayton	1,372.84	1,601.65	1,830.45	2,059.26	2,516.87	2,974.49	3,432.10	4,118.52
Crossroads	1,384.16	1,614.85	1,845.55	2,076.24	2,537.63	2,999.01	3,460.40	4,152.48
Cullingworth	1,378.75	1,608.55	1,838.34	2,068.13	2,527.71	2,987.30	3,446.88	4,136.26
Denholme	1,387.06	1,618.24	1,849.41	2,080.59	2,542.94	3,005.30	3,467.65	4,161.18
Harden	1,397.03	1,629.87	1,862.71	2,095.55	2,561.23	3,026.91	3,492.58	4,191.10
Haworth and Stanbury	1,384.79	1,615.59	1,846.39	2,077.19	2,538.79	3,000.39	3,461.98	4,154.38
Ilkley	1,390.50	1,622.25	1,854.00	2,085.75	2,549.25	3,012.75	3,476.25	4,171.50
Keighley	1,403.47	1,637.38	1,871.29	2,105.20	2,573.02	3,040.84	3,508.67	4,210.40
Menston	1,391.09	1,622.93	1,854.78	2,086.63	2,550.33	3,014.02	3,477.72	4,173.26
Oxenhope	1,388.90	1,620.38	1,851.87	2,083.35	2,546.32	3,009.28	3,472.25	4,166.70
Sandy Lane	1,365.74	1,593.36	1,820.99	2,048.61	2,503.86	2,959.10	3,414.35	4,097.22
Shipley	1,380.57	1,610.66	1,840.76	2,070.85	2,531.04	2,991.23	3,451.42	4,141.70
Silsden	1,379.19	1,609.05	1,838.92	2,068.78	2,528.51	2,988.24	3,447.97	4,137.56
Steeton with Eastburn	1,387.82	1,619.12	1,850.43	2,081.73	2,544.34	3,006.94	3,469.55	4,163.46
Wilsden	1,396.08	1,628.76	1,861.44	2,094.12	2,559.48	3,024.84	3,490.20	4,188.24
Wrose	1,364.75	1,592.20	1,819.66	2,047.12	2,502.04	2,956.95	3,411.87	4,094.24

 

(h)  That Council notes the movement in Band D equivalent charges for 2024-25 over 2023-24 as set out in the table below.

	Council Tax 2024-25	Council Tax 2023-24	Percentage change 2023-24 on 2024-25
	Band D Equivalent	Band D Equivalent
Bradford Metropolitan District Council	1,701.86	1,620.98	4.99%
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority *	79.49	77.18	2.99%
West Yorkshire Police Authority *	249.28	236.28	5.50%
Local (Parish Council) Precepts:
Addingham	61.55	56.26	9.4%
Baildon	50.26	48.83	2.9%
Bingley	27.75	27.74	0.0%
Burley	91.94	88.00	4.5%
Clayton	28.63	27.32	4.8%
Crossroads	45.61	New	100.0%
Cullingworth	37.50	34.39	9.0%
Denholme	49.96	45.00	11.0%
Harden	64.92	58.00	11.9%
Haworth etc	46.56	44.52	4.6%
Ilkley	55.12	54.33	1.5%
Keighley	74.57	52.50	42.0%
Menston	56.00	54.00	3.7%
Oxenhope	52.72	40.00	31.8%
Sandy Lane	17.98	18.40	-2.3%
Shipley	40.22	35.00	14.9%
Silsden	38.15	28.70	32.9%
Steeton/ Eastburn	51.10	48.46	5.4%
Wilsden	63.49	54.01	17.6%
Wrose	16.49	15.50	6.4%

 

To be actioned by: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

 

(Andrew Cross – 01274 436823)