Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. J. M. L. A. Griffiths (Chairman), A. N. Blagg, Dr. D. W. P. Booth JP, J. T. Duddy, Mrs. J. D. Luck, Mrs. C. M. McDonald, Mrs. M. A. Sherrey JP, Mrs. C. J. Spencer, C. B. Taylor and L. J. Turner.

(Members are reminded that they need to keep their register of interest forms up to date)

No declarations of interest were received.

To consider the recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 30th June 2010 on the Statement of Accounts 2009/10 (the recommendations will be circulated at the Council meeting) (the Cabinet report and appendices are  enclosed for information)

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2009/10

Further to the copy of the report on the Statement of Accounts for 2009/10 which had been circulated with the agenda, Members received an Errata List which detailed changes arising due the amendment of a single transaction in relation to the Artrix roof. The change of approximately £147,000 impacted across numerous statements and notes but did not affect the previously reported increase in general fund balances for the year.

The recommendations from the Cabinet meeting held earlier that day were tabled and moved by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor R. Hollingworth.

During the debate a number of comments and queries were raised by Councillor P. M. McDonald to which the relevant Portfolio Holder and Section 151 Officer responded. The Section 151 Officer undertook to provide further information in relation to some matters where she was unable to provide detailed answers.    

RESOLVED:

(a)               that the unaudited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2010 be approved, subject to any revision based on the matters raised at the meeting in relation to clarification of wording and a note to the accounts;

(b)               that the increase in the 2010/11 Capital Programme of £1.192m in relation to the carry forward requests as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be approved;

(c)                that the Annual Governance Statement be approved; and

(d)               that the outturn position on revenue and capital as detailed in the report be noted.

Members considered a report of the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services which drew attention to notification received from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with regard to the removal of grant funding for the provision of free swimming for over 60s as from 31st July 2010.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor G. N. Denaro.

On a requisition under Council Procedure Rule 17.5, the following details of voting were recorded.

For the recommendations: Councillors Mrs. J. M. Boswell, Mrs. M. Bunker, S. R. Colella, R. J. Deeming, G. N. Denaro, Mrs. R. L. Dent, Mrs. A. E. Doyle, Mrs. J. Dyer M.B.E., D. Hancox, R. Hollingworth, Ms. H. J. Jones, B. Lewis, Dr. G. H. Lord, D. L. Pardoe, S. R. Peters, C. R. Scurrell, R. D. Smith, E. C. Tibby, C. J. Tidmarsh, M. J. A. Webb and P. J. Whittaker (21);

Against the recommendations: Councillors Ms. J. A. Marshall, P. M. McDonald, D. McGrath, E. J. Murray, W. R. Newnes, S. P. Shannon and C. J. K. Wilson (7).

RESOLVED:

(a)               that the removal of the grant funding from the DCMS (£31,000 per annum) for over 60s swimming be acknowledged;

(b)               that officers be instructed to remove the free swimming programme as from 1st August 2010 and prepare a promotional campaign to inform residents of this decision and the circumstances in which it was made;

(c)               that, as part of the reintroduction of charging for over 60s swimming, the current concessions scheme (50% discount) be implemented.

Further to the previous meeting at which consideration had been given to the need to appoint five representatives to the new Bromsgrove Arts Centre Trust and Members having since received a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association for the Trust, it was

RESOLVEDthat representatives be appointed as follows: