Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: The Forum, Towcester, NN12 6A
Contact: Sofia Neal-Gonzalez, Democratic Services
Note: Please use the following link to view the meeting from 6pm: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDyc2cNcl19OvcGOCuZDTBQ
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Apologies Minutes: Councillor David Smith
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Declarations of Interest Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. Minutes: None |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 18th January 2022. Minutes: The minutes from the Cabinet meeting of the 18th January 2022 were approved and signed as a true and accurate record.?
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Chair's Announcements To receive communications from the Chair. Minutes: None |
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Urgent Business The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any items of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.
Minutes: None |
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Revenue Monitoring - Period 9 - Financial Year 2021-22 PDF 846 KB Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a) Noted the forecast outturn position for 2021-22 and associated risks; b) Noted the deliverability assessment of West Northamptonshire Council savings requirement for 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Appendix B. c) Approved the virements set out in section 5.81
REASONS RESOVED: To ensure that the Authority complied with its financial regulations.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None Minutes: The Chair invited member of the public, Ms Suzy McClernon to address the committee. Ms McClernon made the following comments.
The Chair advised that WNC do what central government ask of us and that the council tax increase was an average one. There had been various financial legacy issues that WNC have had to work through from the previous authorities. It was noted that more needed to be done locally and nationally to support the care sector and its staff.
Councillor Matt Golby noted that there had been a lot of effort put into the anti-poverty strategy and will be rolled out once approved by council. The Health and Wellbeing Board will receive the strategy.
Councillor Fiona Baker advised that there had been significant work carried out and continuing to happen within SEND support. There was a complete overhaul planned with new measures to be announced soon.
Councillor Adam Brown advised that there was a bus service improvement plan, this was a government scheme to enhance public transport and its use.
Councillor Malcolm Longley noted that many reserves were ringfenced for certain projects.
Following this discussion councillor Longley presented the report copies of which had been previously circulated. It was noted that at the time of the meeting, WNC were 6 weeks away from the year end.
Councillors made the following comments in response to the report.
Councillor Malcolm Longley made the following comments.
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Period 9 - General Fund Capital Monitoring Report 2021-22 PDF 832 KB Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a) Noted the latest capital monitoring position for the General Fund. b) Noted new schemes and changes since Period 7 report that was considered by Cabinet in December 2021.
REASONS RESOLVED: Ensured sound management of the council’s finances.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Mike Hallam – daughter is a pupil at Northampton School for Girls (non-pecuniary) Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Malcolm Longley presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. It was advised that many inherited projects were going through, members were advised to email any questions to Councillor Longley or Executive Director of Finance.
Councillors made the following comments.
Councillor Lizzy Bowen made the following comments.
The Executive Director of Finance advised that there were 3 different types of disability grants, these would eventually merge.
Councillor Mike Hallam noted that one of the projects included a secondary school, the committee was advised that Councillor Hallam’s daughter was a pupil at that school.
RESOLVED: Cabinet. a) Noted the latest capital monitoring position for the General Fund. b) Noted new schemes and changes since Period 7 report that was considered by Cabinet in December 2021
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Final Budget 2022-23 and Medium Term Financial Plan PDF 1 MB Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: That Cabinet: a) Approved the 2022-23 Budget for West Northamptonshire set out in this report, and recommended the Budget to the Full Council meeting on 24 February 2022, including I. An estimated net revenue budget of £753.375m (£342.203m excluding Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A. II. An average Band D Council tax of £1,613.23 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an increase of 2.99%. (1.99% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 1% Adult Social Care Precept). III. Noted the Council Tax rebate of £150.00 for all Band A-D Council Tax payers and a further discretionary amount of funding for properties in Bands E-H. The details of this scheme were yet to emerge and more information would be provided once it is available. IV. Noted the balance of the WNC Council Tax hardship fund and encouraging residents to apply for such funding if they are facing financial hardship. V. Fees and Charges schedule as detailed in Appendix D VI. Dedicated schools grant budget of £411.2m as detailed in Appendix E VII. The Capital Strategy as set out at paragraphs 6.116-6.134 and Appendix F1, and Capital Programme as set out in Appendix F2. VIII. Adoption of the changes to the 2021-22 capital strategy and MRP policy as outlined in paragraph 6.125 IX. The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy set out in Appendix G X. The Treasury Management Strategy set out in Appendix J XI. Set the authorised limits for borrowing as set out in the table at paragraph 6.141
b) Would recommend the following to Full Council on 24 February 2022, to ensure that the revenue and capital budget and all associated financial policies can be delivered in a safe and legal manner from 1 April 2022 and also to ensure there is flexibility to manage the overall budget in the year: I. Delegated authority to the Executive Director - Finance to manage any variation in budget prior to the start of 2022-23 as a result of final confirmation of the local government finance settlement, or as a result of unforeseen commitments; in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder. II. Delegated authority to the Executive Director - Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2022-23 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy and for any other reason where the capital programme needs to be adjusted. III. Approved the review of reserves as summarised in the table contained at paragraph 6.103 IV. Delegated authority to the Executive Director - Finance to employ earmarked reserves for the purposes they were set up for including the release of the risk reserve if required. V. Delegate authority to the Executive Director – Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance to release the general contingency fund of £9.7m ... view the full decision text for item 108. Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Malcolm Longley presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. There had been no significant changes to the report since the draft version, with WNC going into next year in a good position. Members were advised to review appendix C for any changes and asked that any in-depth questions be emailed.
The Chair invited Councillor Danielle Stone the Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee to present that committees report. Councillor Stone made the following comments.
Councillor Malcolm Longley made the following comments. · It was agreed that Carbon Neutrality should be costed. · There would be two new dedicated members of staff to support climate work. · Cabinet would welcome any information on committee-based investment.
Councillor Mike Hallam proposed that the living wage be increased to £10 per hour. This was agreed.
Councillor Matt Golby felt that WNC needed to value carers more within society which included rates of pay. The re-procurement of the care contract would address some of the underlying issues.
Councillors made the following comments.
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Housing Revenue Account Final Budget 2022-23 and Medium Term Financial Plan PDF 840 KB Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommended Council to approve: a) An average maximum rent increase of 4.1% per dwelling, in line with the legislation and the government’s national rent standard, to take effect from 4th April 2022. b) The HRA budget for 2022-23 of £56m expenditure detailed in Appendix 1. c) The HRA capital programme for 2022-23, including future year estimated commitments, and proposed sources of finance, as set out in Appendix 2. d) The proposed service charges listed in Appendix 3. e) The Total Fees proposed for NPH to deliver the services in scope for 2022-23 detailed in Appendix 4.
· The reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years’ budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated HRA balances of at least £5m for 2022/23 having regard to the outcome of the financial risk assessment. · That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2022-23 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy and for any other reason where the capital programme needs to be adjusted. · That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the Council meeting of 24 February 2022. · That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to: a. Transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year. b. Transfer monies to / from HRA working balances between the Council and NPH for cash flow purposes should that become necessary during the financial year. c. Updated the budget tables and appendices, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary. d. Updated prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, for Council for any budget changes that on these.
REASONS RESOLVED: Ensured that the Council complied with its Constitution and all other relevant requirements in setting the budget for West Northamptonshire Council.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None
Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Malcolm Longley presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. It was advised that this was a continuing strategy that had come over from Northampton Borough Council (NBC) with a major review in the pipeline. It was noted that the green budget would need to be incorporated and that there would be some slippage.
Councillors made the following comments.
Councillor Adam Brown agreed that the lack of affordable housing was a real issue and WNC would look at every avenue to mitigate this.
Councillor Malcolm Longley made the following comments. · The housing situation had been an inherited one. · WNC needed to decide as a whole what can be done to mitigate and what can be achieved.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommended Council to approve: a) An average maximum rent increase of 4.1% per dwelling, in line with the legislation and the government’s national rent standard, to take effect from 4th April 2022. b) The HRA budget for 2022-23 of £56m expenditure detailed in Appendix 1. c) The HRA capital programme for 2022-23, including future year estimated commitments, and proposed sources of finance, as set out in Appendix 2. d) The proposed service charges listed in Appendix 3. e) The Total Fees proposed for NPH to deliver the services in scope for 2022-23 detailed in Appendix 4.
a. Transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year. b. Transfer monies to / from HRA working balances between the Council and NPH for cash flow purposes ... view the full minutes text for item 109. |
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Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: a) Approved the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A b) Agreed the two co-ordinated schemes for the 2023 intake as detailed in Appendix B and Appendix C c) Agreed the “Relevant Area” for all West Northamptonshire schools.
REASONS RESOLVED: All the above are statutory requirements.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Fiona Baker presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. This would be the first time this report has come to cabinet as WNC.
RESOLVED: a) Approved the admission arrangements as detailed in Appendix A b) Agreed the two co-ordinated schemes for the 2023 intake as detailed in Appendix B and Appendix C c) Agreed the “Relevant Area” for all West Northamptonshire schools
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Abington Street Public Realm Works PDF 578 KB Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: That Cabinet: a) Approved the business case for the Abington Street Public Realm project to draw down on £4,610,625 of Towns Funding. b) Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth to appoint a principal contractor following a competitive procurement process to undertake the works.
REASONS RESOLVED: The recommendations are necessary to allow the Abington Street Public Realm project to proceed and to ensure the grant award is spent within the award timescales.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Lizzy Bowen presented the report, copies of which had previously circulated. Cabinet was advised that the council would look favourably on contractors with green credentials. The committee was informed of the way the project plans were put into place and the impact that decreased footfall had had on the town centre. In terms of the design of the project it had been decided that a blended option based on the 4 listed designs would be used. It was advised that work was being done on a business strategy on the BHS and Marks & Spencer buildings in the town centre.
Councillors made the following comments. · The town’s cultural heritage was important and it was imperative to build on what the town has. · It was queried whether there should be further conversations before architects are called. · It was noted that £3 million had been spent on the de-pedestrianisation of Abington Street, as part of the green agenda should the council reverse this? · WNC needed to understand the types of people that would be residents in the new accommodation provided. · It was requested that there be less nightclubs on the main roads to maintain the goal of a family friendly environment. · There were financial risks mentioned in the report, could members be made aware of what it is? This was requested for all individual projects. · It was queried whether all the project teams had spoken to each other, would there be an opportunity to link the projects together? · The climate impact section of the report had only been 3 lines long, it was important to understand the impact better.
Councillor Lizzy Bowen made the following comments.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: a) Approved the business case for the Abington Street Public Realm project to draw down on £4,610,625 of Towns Funding. b) Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth to appoint a principal contractor following a competitive procurement process to undertake the works
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People Strategy 2022 - 2025 PDF 685 KB Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: It is recommended that Cabinet approves the People Strategy 2022-2025 and supports its implementation across the Council.
REASONS RESOLVED: · The Strategy allowed us to align HR activity with the wider Council vision and priorities · Putting this in place would enable the Head of Paid Service to have a robust strategy to retain, manage, develop and recruit staff. Our people are our key asset and we need to ensure we support all our employees in their development in West Northants Council to help maximise their productivity, create a high performing culture and drive service improvement.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: We could continue to operate in a reactive manner in relation to our workforce, but this would not build on best practice or employee feedback and would not contribute to the creation of high performing teams. Minutes: At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Mike Hallam presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. Cabinet was advised that this was a working document and would continue to evolve.
Councillors made the following comments.
Councillor Mike Hallam advised that it was not possible to devolve every IT system and that dialogue was key.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the People Strategy 2022-2025 and supported its implementation across the Council
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