(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 receive and consider a report from the Council’s Monitoring Officer, which requests the Council to grant a dispensation to all Members who have certain Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, as defined in the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, in the decision to approve the budget and to set the level of Council Tax and Business Rates for 2024/25 during the Budget Council meeting on 7 March 2024.

 Recommended:

That Council:

1)    Grants a dispensation to the Members of the Authority who have requested one, to enable them to participate in full in the decision to approve the budgets for 2024/25 and to set the Council Tax and Business Rates for 2024/25.

2)    Approves the dispensation for a period of 1 year until 7 March 2025.

3)    Notes the Monitoring Officer’s advice that personal interests that may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest shall not prevent Members from speaking and voting at the Budget meetings.

The Interim Monitoring Officer submitted a report which requested the Council to grant a dispensation to all Members who had certain Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, as defined in the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, in the decision to approve the budget and to set the level of Council Tax and Business Rates for 2024/25 during the Budget Council meeting on 7 March 2024.

Members also disclosed interests which were not disclosable pecuniary interests, but which they considered should be made in the interests of clarity.

The lists attached at appendices A and B to the report had been updated with further notifications by Members on their declarations.

In addition, it was requested that the following interests be included:

·       Councillor A Ahmed was a Patron of Bradford Bereavement Services, a member of the Co-operative Party, the Labour Party and Unison.

·       Councillor ???? stated that she was employed by Yorkshire Water and also held a personal alcohol licence.

·       Councillor Thirkill held a premises licence and a personal alcohol licence.

·       Councillor Sutcliffe stated she was involved with a charity as a trustee that received Council funding and was also sponsored by the Green Party.

·       Councillor K Hussain stated that his relative worked as an accountant for the Council.

·       Councillor Sajawal worked for Bradford Trident which received Council funding.

·       Councillor Salam was a member of Unite and the Chair of Bradford Trident which received Council funding.

·       Councillor Shaheen was employed by the Girlington Community Centre and the Khidmat Centre which received funding from the Council.

·       Councillor Edwards was a member of Unite and a trustee of a charity that had received funding from Council.

·       Councillor Russell stated that she was sponsored by the Green Party.

·       Councillor Duffy was a trustee of a voluntary organisation that received Council funding.

·       Councillor Wheatley was a Director of Bradford District Credit Union.

·       Councillor Steele was a member of Unite.

·       Councillor Cunningham stated that he was no longer a Director of Bradford Business Improvement District.

Resolved –

That Council:

(1)           Grants a dispensation to the Members of the Authority who have requested one, to enable them to participate in full in the decision to approve the budgets for 2024/25 and to set the Council Tax and Business Rates for 2024/25.

(2)           Approves the dispensation for a period of 1 year until 7 March 2025.

(3)           Notes the Monitoring Officer’s advice that personal interests that may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest shall not prevent Members from speaking and voting at the Budget meetings.

Recommended –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024 be signed as a correct record.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

Resolved –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2024 be signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Naylor, Warnes, Hickson, Hawkesworth, J Clarke, Watson, Birch, T Hussain, Nazir, M Nazam, and Dodds.

(To be circulated before the meeting).

There were no announcements from the Lord Mayor for this meeting of Council.

(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. 

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746)

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

To consider any further motions (i) to appoint members to a Committee or a Joint Committee; or (ii) to appoint Chairs or Deputy Chairs of Committees (excluding Area Committees).

There were no membership changes to consider.

To consider any recommendations arising from meetings of the Executive and Committees.

(Fatima Butt – 07970 411746))

There were budget recommendations that were considered under Minute Number 85 from the Executive.

There was also an item relating to Council Tax Premiums for long term empty properties and second homes (Minute Number 86) from the Executive that was considered.

The Executive at its meeting on 5 March 2024 will make recommendations to Council on the Budget for 2024/25.

The following reports are submitted:  

(i)          THE COUNCIL’S REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 2024-25 (GENERAL FUND AND HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT)

The report of the Director of Finance (Executive Document “AL”) provides 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 Executive approved for consultation at their meeting on 11 January 2024.

                                                (Andrew Cross – 01274 436823)

(ii)         ALLOCATION OF THE SCHOOL’S BUDGET 2024-25 FINANCIAL YEAR

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

                                  (Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

(iii)        CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN 2024-25 TO 2027-28

The report of the Director of Finance (Executive Document “AN”) presents the Council’s Capital Investment Plan for 2024-25 to 2027-28, an updated Capital Strategy and the Investment Strategy for 2024-25.

                                            (Lynsey Simenton – 07582 102779)

(iv)        2024-25 BUDGET PROPOSALS, FORECAST RESERVES, RISKS, OVERALL FINANCIAL POSITION AND EMERGING FINANCIAL STRATGEY – SECTION 151 OFFICER ASSESSMENT UNDER S25 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2003

The report of the Director of Finance (Executive Document “AP”) 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.

                                            (Steven Mair – 07786 525809)

Note:  The above reports may also need to be updated following the meeting of Executive on Tuesday 5 March 2024. In view of the short timescale between the Executive meeting on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 and the meeting of Council on Thursday, 7 March 2024, the budget recommendations from the Executive to Council will be e-mailed to all Members of Council following the Executive meeting on 5 March 2024 and will be published on the Council’s website.  The recommendations will also be circulated at the Council meeting.

The Executive met on 5 March 2024 to make recommendations to Council on the Budget for 2024/25.

The following reports were submitted:

i)               The Council’s Revenue Estimates For 2024-25 (General Fund and Housing Revenue Account) – (EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT “AL”)

ii)              Allocation of the School’s Budget 2024-25 Financial Year – (EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT “AM”)

iii)            Capital Investment Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28 – (EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT “AN”)

iv)            2024-25 Budget Proposals, Forecast Reserves, Risks, Overall Financial Position and Emerging Financial Strategy – Section 151 Officer Assessment Under S25 Of The Local Government Act 2003 – (EXECUTIVE DOCUMENT “AP”)

An amendment to the Executive’s recommendations was moved by Councillor Pollard. The S151 Officer provided an assessment of the amendment. The amendment was defeated. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 a recorded vote was taken on the amendment and the Council voted as follows:

For the Amendment (12)

Councillors Falak Ahmed, Brown, Coates, Davies, Felstead, Glentworth, Herd, Loy, Nunns, Pollard, Poulsen and Sullivan.

Against the Amendment (57)

Councillors Aneela Ahmed, Alipoor, Amran, Azam, Berry, Choudhry, Cunningham, Dearden, Duffy, Engel, Ferriby, Firth, Fricker, Godwin, Green, Hayden, Hinchcliffe, Humphreys, Arshad Hussain, Ibrar Hussain, Kamran Hussain, Mohsin Hussain, Shabir Hussain, Iqbal, Jabar, Jamil, Johnson, Kauser, Hassan Khan, Imran Khan, Sabiya Khan, Lal, Lintern, Mitchell, Mohammed, Mullaney, Parsons, Regan, Robinson, Ross-Shaw, Rowe, Shafiq, Shaheen, Slater, Steele, Tait, Thirkill, Thornton, Walsh, Wheatley, Wood, Zaman, Edwards, Love, Russell, Sutcliffe and Whitaker.

Abstentions (9)

Councillors Barker, Riaz Ahmed, Griffiths, Stubbs, Sunderland, Majkowski, Elahi, Sajawal and Salam.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 a recorded vote was taken on the Executive’s recommendations moved by Councillor Hinchcliffe and the Council voted as follows:

For the Executive’s recommendations on the Council’s Budget 2024/25 (51)

Councillors Aneela Ahmed, Alipoor, Amran, Azam, Berry, Choudhry, Cunningham, Dearden, Duffy, Engel, Ferriby, Firth, Fricker, Godwin, Green, Hayden, Hinchcliffe, Humphreys, Arshad Hussain, Ibrar Hussain, Kamran Hussain, Mohsin Hussain, Shabir Hussain, Iqbal, Jabar, Jamil, Johnson, Kauser, Hassan Khan, Imran Khan, Sabiya Khan, Lal, Mitchell, Mohammed, Mullaney, Parsons, Regan, Robinson, Ross-Shaw, Rowe, Shafiq, Shaheen, Slater, Steele, Tait, Thirkill, Thornton, Walsh, Wheatley, Wood and Zaman.

Against the Recommendation (26)

Councillors Lintern, Falak Ahmed, Brown, Coates, Davies, Felstead, Glentworth, Herd, Loy, Nunns, Pollard, Poulsen, Sullivan, Riaz Ahmed, Griffiths, Stubbs, Sunderland, Edwards, Love, Russell, Sutcliffe, Whitaker, Majkowski, Elahi, Sajawal and Salam.

Abstentions (1)

Councillor Barker

Resolved – That the following recommendations be approved:

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Executive Document “AO”) 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)       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)       That following a consultation on proposed exemptions, the Government is yet to publish the final list of exceptions. That  responsibility be delegated to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources to implement the exceptions once finalised.

                                     (Caroline Lee – 07811 088655)

Note:  The above report may also need to be updated following the meeting of Executive on Tuesday 5 March 2024. In view of the short timescale between the Executive meeting on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 and the meeting of Council on Thursday, 7 March 2024, the recommendations from the Executive to Council will be e-mailed to all Members of Council following the Executive meeting on 5 March 2024 and will be published on the Council’s website.  The recommendations will also be circulated at the Council meeting.

The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Executive 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.

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

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Human Resources, which provides details of the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2024/25.

Recommended –

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

                                                            (Richard Corbett – 07816 358924)

Council received and considered a report from the Director of Human Resources, which provided details of the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2024/25. In accordance with the Localism Act 2011 Local Authorities are required to produce and publish a Pay Policy Statement for each financial year.

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