Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - City Hall, Bradford

Contact: Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel 

Items
No. Item

91.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

(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 may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an interest which the Member feels would call into question their compliance with the wider principles set out in the Code of Conduct.  Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

 

(2)       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. 

 

(3)       Members are also welcome to disclose interests which are not disclosable pecuniary interests but which they consider should be made in the interest of clarity.

 

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

 

Minutes:

Dispensations under the Localism Act 2011

 

Under the Constitution the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair of Standards Committee, may grant a dispensation to all Executive Members who have Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, as defined in the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 for the purposes of the Executive Budget meeting on 18 February 2020

 

Section 33 of the Localism Act 2011 provides that on written request a dispensation may be granted relieving the Member from the restrictions which apply to Members with a DPI.

 

The Act allows a dispensation to be granted in the following circumstances for a specified period of time not exceeding 4 years:-

 

Members of the Executive would be prohibited from participating in particular business to be transacted by the Executive.

 

On the same basis as the case for dispensations in respect of DPIs, the Deputy Monitoring Officer had advised Members who have personal interests where there is or may be a conflict of interest that they should also not be prevented from speaking and voting at the Executive budget meeting owing to the number of Councillors likely to be affected.

 

In the circumstances, the Deputy Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair of Standards Committee, was satisfied that the criterion was met and had granted a dispensation to those Members of Executive who had requested such dispensations to enable them to participate in the consideration of the Council budget and the recommendation of the Council Tax and Business Rates for 2020/21.

 

(i)      The following Elected Members had been granted dispensations under the Localism Act 2011 in relation to their declared Disclosable Pecuniary Interests relating to employment, sponsorship and land.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

Councillor Imran Khan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPONSORSHIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Farley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Jabar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Imran Khan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAND

 

Councillor Farley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Ferriby

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Jabar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Imran Khan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)   The following members disclosed a personal interest in the item on the agenda relating to the Budget  2020-21 and of the nature and description indicated by each category:

 

Members with a spouse, partner or close relative in the employment of the Council

 

Councillor Jabar

Councillor Imran Khan

 

 

Members employed by or who have a spouse, partner or close relative employed by a voluntary organisation/public body funded by the Council.

 

Councillor Imran Khan 

 

 

Members who occupied land or who had a spouse, partner or relative who did or who were directors of companies or sat on the management committee of an organisation that occupies land under a lease or licence granted by the Council.

 

Councillor I Khan

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

 

Members of other public authorities.

 

Airedale Partnership

Councillor Ross Shaw

 

Bradford Economic Partnership

Cllr Hinchcliffe

Cllr Ross-Shaw

 

City Regions Board (LGA)

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Drake and Tonson Foundation

Cllr Farley

 

Haworth Exhibition Trust

Cllr Farley

 

Key Cities

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan 

 

Leeds Bradford International Airport – Consultative Committee

Councillor Ross-Shaw 

 

Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership

Councillor Hinchcliffe 

 

Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre

Councillor Ferriby 

 

Sir Titus Salt Trust

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

University  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

92.

INSPECTION OF REPORTS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS

(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. 

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

Minutes:

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

documents.

 

93.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE

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). 

 

 (Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Minutes:

There were no recommendations referred to the Executive.

HEALTHY PEOPLE AND PLACES PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ferriby)

94.

BRADFORD CLEAN AIR PLAN (B-CAP) OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE (OBC) SUBMISSION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION pdf icon PDF 2 MB

The Strategic Director, Health & Wellbeing will submit a report (Document “BE”) which provides an update to Members on the B-CAP OBC and preferred option to improve air quality in Bradford and seeks approval to carry out full public consultation on the preferred option which will inform the preparation of the Full Business Case (FBC) .

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That Executive note and comment on the update regarding the             Bradford Clean Air Plan (B-CAP) and the preferred option to        improve air quality.

 

(2)       That Executive approve the process for consultation on the       preferred option.

 

(3)       That Executive delegate to the City Solicitor, portfolio holders    (Health and Well Being, Planning, Regeneration and Transport) in     conjunction with Strategic Director (Health and Well Being,            Planning Regeneration and Transport) authority to complete any          agreements necessary in the run up to clean air zone       implementation.

 

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Health & Social Care / Regeneration & Environment

(Andrew Whittles - 0758 405 868)

 

Minutes:

The Strategic Director, Health & Wellbeing submitted a report (Document “BE”) which provided an update to Members on the B-CAP OBC and preferred option to improve air quality in Bradford and sought approval to carry out a full public consultation on the preferred option which will inform the preparation of the Full Business Case (FBC) .

 

The Strategic Director stated that the Plan was derived out of ministerial direction and that the proposals had been worked across Council departments and with the Born in Bradford project; a viable plan re clean air had now been formulated.  The plan once it comes to fruition will tackle issues relating to low birth weight and respiratory illness.

 

Bradford was one of 28 local authorities working to improve on air quality and get within legal limits; to this end an outline business case had been submitted, with a proposal to undertake full consultation on them.  To this end taxi drivers will be encouraged to switch to more environmentally friendly hybrid/electric vehicles and proposals for a park and ride scheme  were a flavour of the planned measures, as well working closely with Born in Bradford.  It was stressed that the plans were similar to the ones devised by Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Leeds.

 

A representative from Born in Bradford project was present at the meeting and stated this was a great day, adding that the evidence from Born in Bradford was overwhelming on the health impacts of air pollution, in particular from diesel vehicles.  All too often the prevalence of asthma and other conditions were being felt across the city and this could be directly attributed to poor air quality and therefore the Clean Air plan was a big step in the right direction.

 

The Healthy People and Places Portfolio Holder thanked officers and Born in Bradford, stating that this was a pivotal piece of work to improve on air quality in our district.  The Regeneration Planning and Transport Portfolio Holder echoed these sentiments, adding that the steps we took now would result in benefits 10/20 years down the line.

 

The Leader stated that she was confident about the business case and that the additional funding would assist in rolling out the plan and she welcomed the next steps.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the update regarding the Bradford Clean Air Plan (B-CAP) and the preferred option set out in Document “BE” to improve air   quality be noted.

 

(2)       That the process for consultation on the preferred option be      approved.

 

(3)       That Executive delegate to the City Solicitor, portfolio holders    (Health and Well Being, Planning, Regeneration and Transport) in     conjunction with Strategic Director (Health and Well Being,            Planning Regeneration and Transport) authority to complete any          agreements necessary in the run up to clean air zone       implementation.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Health & Wellbeing

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Health & Social Care / Regeneration & Environment

 

LEADER OF COUNCIL & CORPORATE

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

95.

THE COUNCIL'S REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 220 KB

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “BA”)which provides Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates for 2020/21.

 

Recommended –

 

That the recommendations contained in Document “BA” be approved.

 

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Chris Chapman – 01274 433656)

Minutes:

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “BA”)which provided Members with details of the Council’s Revenue Estimates for 2020/21.

 

The Director stated that the Local Government Settlement had not been finalised yet, however an announcement was imminent, but it was unlikely to change materially from the provisional settlement.

 

The resolution to this item was presented and agreed in light of the Labour Group’s amended budget recommendation to Council (See Minute 100). This was followed by agreement on the Schools Budget and Capital Investment Plan proposals.

 

96.

ALLOCATION OF THE SCHOOLS BUDGET 2020/21 FINANCIAL YEAR pdf icon PDF 230 KB

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “BB”) which seeks Executive approval of the recommendations of Bradford’s Schools Forum in allocating the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2020/21 and subsequent recommendation to Full Council.

 

Recommended –

 

It is recommended that the Executive asks Council to:

 

(1)       Accept and approve the proposals from the Schools Forum for             the allocation of the 2020/21 DSG as set out in this report.

 

(2)       Approve the adoption of the new Banded Model for the allocation         of EHCP top up funding to schools and providers from the High      Needs Block.

 

(3)       Approve the total amount of £586.602m to be appropriated in      respect of all schools covered by the Bradford Scheme for the        Local Management of Schools, so as to establish.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Andrew Redding - 01274 432678)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “BB”) which sought Executive approval of the recommendations of Bradford’s Schools Forum in allocating the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2020/21 and subsequent recommendation to Council.

 

The Schools Finance officer stated that 2021 would see a significant per

capita growth in school funding, however this was not even across the

schools sector, with the bulk of the increase funding going towards the high

needs block, therefore the increase masked a number of other variants and

some schools would fair better than others.

 

He also cited the teacher pay award as being a major issue going forward and

one that could create additional pressures on schools budgets.

 

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to Council:

 

(1)       That the proposals from the Schools Forum for the allocation of            the 2020/21 DSG as set out in Executive Document “BB” be         accepted and approved.

 

(2)       That the adoption of the new Banded Model for the allocation of EHCP top up funding to schools and providers from the High Needs Block be approved.

 

(3)       That the total amount of £586.602m 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 2020/21 be approved.

 

ACTION: Director of Finance

 

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

           

 

97.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN 2020-21 TO 2023-24 pdf icon PDF 308 KB

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “BC”)which at Section A presents the Council’s Capital Investment Plan 2020-21 to 2023-24.

Section B presents an updated Capital Strategy for 2020-21. This strategy underpins the spending proposals within the Capital Investment Plan.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       The 2020-24 Capital Investment Plan is approved. 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.

 

(2)       Specific approval is given regarding the 2020-21 Capital Strategy set out in Section B of this report.

 

(3)       Delegated authority is given to Section 151 Officer to repay debt on an annuity basis, for chosen properties purchased during or after 2018-19. Delegated authority could only be exercised if two conditions are met: the asset retains or increases its value; the return from the capital scheme is sufficient to repay the capital sum invested.

 

(4)       Repayment of debt from giving loans to external organisations can be aligned with the loan repayment schedule. This is dependent on two conditions: that the capital scheme is self-financing; there is reasonable assurance that the loan repayment schedule will be followed.

 

(5)       The proposed 2020-21 MRP policy set out in Appendix 1b is approved, including the specific changes compared to the current policy (as set out in 27.3 and 27.4).

 

(6)       The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy is approved.

 

(7)       Specific approval be given for the following capital expenditure schemes:

 

·         £2m 2020-21 Property Programme to maintain Council assets.

·         £0.203m for works to Depots to allow a relocation of Parks and Street Cleansing Staff.

 

Overview and Scrutiny: Corporate

(Chris Chapman – 01274 433656)

Minutes:

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “BC”)which at Section A presented the Council’s Capital Investment Plan 2020-21 to 2023-24.  Section B presented an updated Capital Strategy for 2020-21. This strategy underpins the spending proposals within the Capital Investment Plan.

 

The Head of Financial Accounting and Systems gave a detailed breakdown of the Investment Plan, which was detailed in the report.

 

Resolved -

 

That it be recommended to Council:

 

(1)       That the 2020-24 Capital Investment Plan be approved. 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.

 

(2)       That specific approval is given regarding the 2020-21 Capital Strategy set out in Section B to Executive Document “BC”.

 

(3)       That delegated authority is given to Section 151 Officer to repay debt on an annuity basis, for chosen properties purchased during or after 2018-19. Delegated authority could only be exercised if two conditions are met: the asset retains or increases its value; the return from the capital scheme is sufficient to repay the capital sum invested.

 

(4)       That repayment of debt from giving loans to external organisations can be aligned with the loan repayment schedule. This is dependent on two conditions: that the capital scheme is self-financing; there is reasonable assurance that the loan repayment schedule will be followed.

 

(5)       That the proposed 2020-21 MRP policy set out in Appendix 1b to Executive Document “BC” be approved, including the specific changes compared to the current policy (as set out in paragraphs 27.3 and 27.4).

 

(6)       That the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy be approved.

 

(7)       That specific approval be given for the following capital expenditure schemes:

 

·         £2m 2020-21 Property Programme to maintain Council assets.

  • £0.203m for works to Depots to allow a relocation of Parks and Street Cleansing Staff.

ACTION:       Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

 

98.

PUBLIC AND TRADE UNION CONSULTATION FEEDBACK pdf icon PDF 100 KB

The Chief Executive will present the (second) addendum to the public and Trade Union consultation feedback, if any together with Equality Impact Assessments (EIA’s) (tabled at the meeting) (Addendum to Executive Document “AR” to be tabled at the meeting).

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive tabled the second addendum to the public and Trade Union consultation feedback (Addendum to Executive Document “AR)

 

It was stressed that no further feedback has been received from the Trade

Unions, however additional feedback had been received relating to the

proposed investment in tree planting, litter and street flowers/plants,

community safety, the City of Culture as well as a reduction in buses

to Leeds. There was also a suggestion that funds should be put into health. 

 

An additional feedback had been received recently relating to climate change from the Chair of Bradford Fairtrade Zone, urging the Council to ensure that Fairtrade is reflected in the Council’s budget narrative and consideration is given to the role that the district’s Fairtrade groups can play in supporting the Council in initiatives to tackle climate change.

 

The Leader in welcoming the feedback on the budget proposals stressed that this year the Council was not proposing any staff redundancies.

 

Resolved –

 

That in accordance with Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, Executive had regard to the information contained in Executive Document “AR”, appendices, equality assessments, addendum presented to the Executive on 4 February 2020, further addendum and additional consultation feedback presented to the Executive on 18 February 2020 when considering its recommendations to Council on the budget proposals for 2020-21.

 

ACTION:       Chief Executive

 

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

99.

AMENDED BUDGET RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL

Minutes:

The Leader tabled the Labour Group’s amendments to Document “BA”.  The Leader stated that given the uncertainties going forward  and the Government’s  lack of clarity on future funding arrangements, only a one year budget would be set. 

 

That in the context of poor economic growth, family budgets were already under pressure and stretched, however Local Authorities were still having to provide services within very constrained resources.

 

She welcomed the public consultation responses and that as a result of this feedback the Council had incorporated into its budget, resources to tackle  climate emergency, libraries investment, green spaces and street cleansing with a greater emphasis on the People Can agenda.  A commitment to pay our lowest paid staff, a living wage, and she acknowledged the hard work of all staff in ensuring Council services were delivered effectively.

 

Each of the Portfolio Holders highlighted the key investment and spending plans in their respective service areas.

 

The Leader stressed the need for equitable funding for Local Authorities to address inequality, in particular as Bradford had seen a real cut in funding over the years as a result of austerity.

 

 

100.

REVISED REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 2020/21

Minutes:

The Director of Finance submitted an addendum to Document “BA” in light of the Labour Group’s amended budget recommendations to Council and it was therefore:

 

 

Resolved –

 

8.1       That it be recommended to Council:

 

(a)  That the Base Revenue Forecast of £378.080m for 2020/21 as set out in the extract from Council Document “R” (Revenue Estimates) be approved.

 

(b)      That the recurring pressures and investment proposals of £8.559m in 2020/21 beapproved.

 

(c)       That the non-recurring pressures and investment proposals of £7.798m in 2020/21 be approved.

 

(d)      That the additional service savings and additional income of £0.330m in 2020/21 beapproved.

 

(e)       That the prior agreed savings be noted and the amendment to previous budget decisions totalling £3.030m in 2020/21be approved.

 

(f)        That it be noted that within the revenue budget there is a net use of £0.769m in revenue reserves in 2020/21.

 

(g)      That the service savings proposals for 2020/21 be approved, requiring the Chief Executive, Strategic Directors and Directors to take necessary action during 2019/20 to ensure those savings are fully achievable for 2020/21.

 

(h)      That the comments of Director of Finance set out in Executive Document “BD” on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves taking account of the recommendations made at 8.1(a) to (g) above be noted.

 

(i)        That an additional earmarked reserve of £0.7m for New Projects is created. This new earmarked reserve will be funded from a reduction in the amounts set aside within the Risk and Transition earmarked reserve. The new projects relate to:

 

·         Parks and Open Spaces £0.5m.

 

·         Libraries equipment, such as flexible shelving £0.2m

 

8.2         PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX2020/21

 

8.2.1      That it be noted that the projected council tax base and expenditure forecasts outlined in this report together with the 2020/21 resources and the budget variations approvedat 8.1(b), 8.1(c) and 8.1(h) aboveproduce aproposed BandD counciltax of £1,427.86 for 2020/21.

 

8.3         PAYMENT DATES FOR COUNCIL TAX AND NATIONALNON-DOMESTIC RATES

 

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

 

8.4         DELEGATION TOOFFICERS

 

8.4.1      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 pilot, 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.

 

 

8.5         PREPARATION OFACCOUNTS

 

(a)       That in preparing the Final Accounts for 2019/20, the s151 Officer be empowered to take appropriate steps to secure the best advantage for the Council's financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

101.

2019/20 BUDGET PROPOSALS AND FORECAST RESERVES - S151 OFFICER ASSESSMENT pdf icon PDF 240 KB

This report of the Director of Finance (Document “BD) assesses the robustness of the proposed budget for 2020/21, the adequacy of forecast levels of reserves and associated risks. 

 

It concludes that the estimates are sufficiently robust for the Council to set the budget. 

 

It also concludes that the General Fund and unallocated reserves should be maintained at their current levels over the period of the financial strategy to ensure the continued financial resilience of the Council.

 

Recommended –

 

That Members have regard to this report in setting the budget, and in particular note the conclusions that:

 

  • the estimates presented to Council are sufficiently robust

 

  • the reserves are adequate for the 2020/21 proposed budget

 

  • the projected corporate reserves, on current estimates, are adequate in the medium term, subject to the implementation of the rest of the proposed financial plan and identification of further proposals to mitigate the projected structural gap of £11.860m.

 

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 be amended or added to if a decision was proposed that lead to the Council’s reserves falling below their recommended 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.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Chris Champan – 01274 433656)

Minutes:

This report of the Director of Finance (Document “BD) assessed the robustness of the proposed budget for 2020/21, the adequacy of forecast levels of reserves and associated risks. 

 

He concluded that the estimates were sufficiently robust for the Council to set the budget. 

 

He also concluded that the General Fund and unallocated reserves should be maintained at their current levels over the period of the financial strategy to ensure the continued financial resilience of the Council, adding that in his opinion the 2021 budget was robust and that the level of reserves were put aside as appropriate.

 

Resolved –

 

That it be recommended to Council:

 

(1)       That Members had regard to the report (Executive Document “BD”) in setting the budget, and in particular note the conclusions that:

 

  • the estimates presented to Council are sufficiently robust
  • the reserves are adequate for the 2020/21 proposed budget
  • the projected corporate reserves, on current estimates, are adequate in the medium term, subject to the implementation of the rest of the proposed financial plan and identification of further proposals to mitigate the projected structural gap of £11.860m.

(2)       That 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 be amended or added to if a decision was proposed that lead to the Council’s reserves falling below their recommended 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.

 

ACTION: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny: Corporate