Minutes:
(i) New Homes Bonus
It was proposed by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor M. A. Bullivant and
RESOLVED:
(a) that the New Homes Bonus Allocation Scheme attached as an appendix to the report be approved; and
(b) that consideration of an appropriate percentage/amount of New Homes Bonus to be allocated to the scheme be deferred until the next meeting of the Cabinet in order that it can be fully considered as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan process.
(ii) Council Tax Support Scheme 2015/16
The recommendations from the Cabinet were proposed by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor M. A. Bullivant.
In proposing the recommendations Councillor Webb referred to the background to this issue which had arisen from a reduction in funding for Council Tax Support from Central Government.
Since the new arrangements had come into force two years ago, this Council had introduced changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme which had avoided the need to cap entitlement to Council Tax Support. This was no longer a sustainable position and many other Authorities from across the Country had already introduced similar measures. Failure to take appropriate steps would result in a reduction in funding to Worcestershire County Council and there was a strong risk this would be clawed back by the County Council.
Councillor Webb also referred to the two extensive public consultations which had been undertaken, which had resulted in a disappointingly low response rate and to the Hardship Scheme which was proposed in order to alleviate some of the difficulties experienced.
During the debate the view was expressed that the Council should continue to protect the “working poor” by maintaining 100% Council Tax Support and by challenging the County Council on any proposals to claw back funding to this Council. It was also suggested that the changes would result in inequalities, lead to increased debt and would have a negative impact on the local economy.
Other Councillors expressed concern at the potential impact the changes would have but referred to the shortfall of £324,000 which could be clawed back by the other preceptors and the impact this would have on Bromsgrove residents.
Following discussion it was
RESOLVED:
(a) that the Council Tax Support Scheme as amended be approved, namely
(i) that entitlement to Council Tax Support be capped at 80% of Council Tax liability;
(ii) that provision for a second adult rebate be removed; and
(iii) that the future “uprating “ of some of the figures to take account of other national changes in benefits and allowances be approved.
(b) that the proposed Hardship Scheme as attached as an appendix to the report be approved; and
(c) that no changes be made to the provisions relating to non-dependents income.
(iii) Council Tax Base 2015/16
It was proposed by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor M. A. Bullivant and
RESOLVED that the amount calculated by Bromsgrove District Council as the Council tax Base for the whole area be approved at 34,907.84 as detailed at appendix 1 to the report to include the individual parish elements.
(iv) Medium Term Financial Plan Update – Parish Council Grant
The recommendations from the Cabinet were proposed by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor M. A. Bullivant
In proposing the recommendations Councillor Webb referred to the methods by which the Parish Council grant had been distributed in previous years. It was felt that the current proposal for distribution of the funding was an equitable system which would benefit both parished and non parished areas of the District.
During debate the main issues raised were:-
· that the entire sum of £38,000 should be distributed to the Parish Councils as other areas did not have a Council Tax base and so had no funding deficit to be met;
· that no evaluation had been undertaken of the operation of the Ward Members funding scheme which was currently in place. Some Members felt that the scheme had usefully enabled a number of small projects to be delivered within individual Wards and should be continued, especially in non-parished areas where no local precept was available..
Following discussion it was
RESOLVED that in relation to the Parish Council Grant receivable from Central Government for 2015/16, the estimated sum of £30,000 be allocated proportionately to the Parish Councils and the remaining £8,000 be shared with the non parished areas of the District.
(v) Car Parking Charges – Evening Parking
The recommendation from the Cabinet was proposed by Councillor M. A. Bullivant and seconded by Councillor R. J. Laight.
In proposing the recommendation Councillor Bullivant referred to the benefit which would accrue to the night time economy within the town of free parking within pay and display car parks after 7.00pm. There would be a need to meet the anticipated shortfall in car park income of approximately £60,000 from balances. It was intended that officers would seek to establish the benefits of the proposal to businesses following the twelve month trial period.
Councillor S. P. Shannon queried the timing of the Cabinet decision in view of the Overview and Scrutiny Board Short Sharp Review of car parking which would be likely to make a number of alternative recommendations to the Cabinet.
A number of Members made reference to other matters which it was felt should be considered such as free parking on Sundays; for the over 65’s and for “Blue Badge” holders.
In response a number of Members welcomed the proposal and felt that there would be a benefit both to local businesses and to residents.
Following discussion it was
RESOLVED that the shortfall in projected income of £60,000 for the free car parking trial period be met from balances.