Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor P. J. Whittaker.

There were no declarations of interest or whipping arrangements.

The Board received a presentation on the Revenue and Capital Budget Bids for 2012/13 from the Executive Director, Finance and Resources.   The Board was informed that any recommendations that were made in respect of the Bids would be fed into the Cabinet meeting to be held on 4th January 2012.

During the meeting Members referred to the following particular items, which were discussed in detail:

• Revenue Bid for Housing – Members discussed how the funding would be allocated, homeless prevention and funding provision provided by both District and County Councils.
• Maintenance and replacement of the Ledger system – Members discussed any benefit to having a single system across the Shared Service and the need for further information to be provided before any decision was made on these bids.
• Revenue Bid for Leisure Feasibility options appraisal – Members queried the purpose of this appraisal, the areas that it would cover and the possibility of it being carried out by the Council’s own staff. 
• Capital Bid to provide a grant to Registered Housing Landlord for affordable housing – Members discussed the need for one bed roomed accommodation and accommodation for families within the district.  Any claw back provision in new agreements and the need to ensure that the Registered Housing Landlord provided the appropriate accommodation.  Members also raised concerns over the sale of particular properties.
• Capital Bid for a new toilet block at Bromsgrove Cemetery - the Chairman invited the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cultural Services, Environmental Services and Emergency Planning to provide Members with an update on this Bid.
• Capital Bid for Depot Security – Members were informed that the latest vehicles to be purchased did have tracking and safety cameras fitted.  The Capital Bid would enable 18 of the Council’s other vehicles to be fitted with a similar system.
• Capital Bid for Fleet replacement – Members were informed that consideration was given to the condition and history of individual vehicles when they reached the end of their expected life and was taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to replace the vehicle.  Costs and information from the mechanics were also taken into consideration.
• Capital Bid for improved parking at Sanders Park – the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services advised Members of the Health and Safety concerns and general issues in respect of car parking at Sanders Park.
• Capital Bid for allotment extension – Members discussed the location and number of plots available, the number of residents on the waiting list within the district as a whole and for the area where the new plots would be made available.

After further discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a)               that all Members receive a detailed briefing following the Government response in relation to the Resource Review to include localisation of business rates and Council Tax benefits;

(b)               that the Board receive an update on the work of the Town Centre Steering Group and progress on the Town Centre improvements and regeneration at the meeting to be held on 23rd January  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.