Issue - meetings

To consider the recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 2nd November 2016:

·         Worcestershire Regulatory Services Board – WRS Enforcement Policy;

·         Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/2018 – 2020/2021Budget Assumptions;

·         Council Tax Support Scheme 2017/2018;

·         The Council Plan;

·         ICT Infrastructure Resource;

·         Development Management Shared Services Business Case

(the associated reports for these recommendations are included at the back of the Council Agenda)

Worcestershire Regulatory Services Board – Enforcement Policy

The recommendation from Cabinet was proposed by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor P. J. Whittaker.

RESOLVED that subject to the minor amendment detailed in WRS minute 15/16, the Worcestershire Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy be adopted.

Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 – 2020/21 – Budget Assumptions

The recommendation from Cabinet was proposed by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor C. B. Taylor.

In proposing the recommendation Councillor Denaro referred to the proposed budget parameters which were set out on page 69 of the agenda pack and which would be incorporated into the budget process.

During the discussion there was mention of the lack of reference to the Council’s Efficiency Plan within the report. There was some concern expressed regarding the proposal to set price inflation at 0% in view of the current economic climate and Members also wished to see a Capital Review undertaken as soon as possible.

As an amendment it was proposed by Councillor C. A. Hotham and seconded by Councillor S. R. Colella that the recommendation from the Cabinet  also include a requirement that the Medium Term Financial Plan be extended to cover the next four years. The amendment was accepted by the proposer and seconder.

RESOLVED

(a)       that the revenue assumptions as detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the Cabinet report (relating to increase in Council tax; pay award; funding the pension liability; price inflation; utilities inflation and discretionary fees and charges) be incorporated into the budget setting process; and

(b)       that the medium term Financial Plan be set for a four year period up to the financial year 2020/2021.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2017/2018

The recommendations from Cabinet were proposed by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor C. B. Taylor.

In proposing the recommendations Councillor Denaro referred to the intention to simplify the administrative process in respect of the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS). The proposed changes would not impact on current claims but on new claims and on re-assessed claims. The Scheme was locally funded and  it was important that the scheme was kept in line with the Housing Benefit  Scheme in order to simplify the administration and enable claims to be dealt with in tandem. Officers would continue to work with residents suffering hardship to provide additional support and financial advice. The simplification of the consultation process would still enable the public and partner organisations to give their views and would enable the Authority to react more easily to changes in Government guidance. 

Some Members were concerned that the Scheme was not helping those in the most need. There was some concern that the impact of the changes on Benefit claimants could not at present be analysed accurately. It was also queried whether a hardship fund of £25,000 was sufficient and whether there was enough flexibility in this.

Councillor Denaro recognised the limited  information available at present, but stressed the changes would not impact on current claimants. It was anticipated that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65