Agenda and minutes

Councillor Furse gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Gilchrist.

Councillor Pearce gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Gladwyn.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Nicolette Boater made a statement to the Panel regarding the Resources Directorate Plan. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes and available on the Council’s minute book.

The Chair stated that a copy of the statement would be forwarded to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Tim Warren.

Andy Halliday made a statement to the Panel regarding the potential move of Bath Library. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes and available on the Council’s minute book.

The Chair stated that a copy of the statement would be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Martin Veal.

Andrew Pate, Strategic Director Resources, explained that the proposals referred to are in the third year of a financial plan and there will be a separate decision on the proposal. Consultation on the proposal will begin early next month. He also referred to some incorrect information on this issue on social media.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chairman.

The following comments were noted:

·  Councillor Gilchrist asked about the progress on two things that Councillor Furse requested at the last meeting – information on the Risk Register for the East of Bath Park and Ride and information on expenditure (since 2008) on the same issue. Officers confirmed that they are following up these requests. Councillor Barrett asked that the separate expenditure on appeals be made clear.

This report presents the Resources Directorate Plan to the Panel for consideration and feedback as part of the Council’s service planning and budget development process. The report is attached with the following:

• Resources Directorate Plan

·  Appendix 1: Directorate structure

·  Appendix 2: Analysis of headline numbers (2016/17)

·  Appendix 3: Draft Capital Programme  - new & emerging items

·  Appendix 4: Budget proposals and Service Impact Statement

All Directorate Plans can be viewed at

https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13506

Andrew Pate, Strategic Director for Resources, introduced the report

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Goodman stated that last year there were several hopeful income streams, he asked if these figures have been met and what areas of income are at risk. The Strategic Director explained that there is a report on Budget Monitoring on the Cabinet agenda (meeting date 1^st February 2017) where this information is available and Appendix 4 details future risks. Tim Richens, Divisional Director – Business Support explained that the Resources income targets are on track.

Councillor Gilchrist asked about the Property Company (ADL) and whether there will be a regular progress report and also if it will seek to serve social housing. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency Councillor Charles Gerrish explained that a progress report will be produced and so far it is ahead of budget. Regarding social housing, he explained that it is a dilemma, social housing is provided by Curo and the Council cannot re-enter the social housing market. He explained that the process for agreeing on new developments is that proposals go to both the ADL board and within the Council. The Strategic Director stated that the Annual Report by ADL may be something that this Panel could take an interest in.

Councillor Becker asked how proposed cuts effect the overall staffing of the Council and how does this compare with other Councils. The Cabinet Member explained that it is difficult to give a comparison because this authority does different things to others such as Heritage Services and also the sizes of Councils differ. He added that there will be job losses over the 3 year period but that this would mainly occur in year 3.

Councillor Paul May (Cabinet Assistant for Finance and Efficiency) explained that the process has been proper and logical including consideration of schemes that will reduce costs as well as considering benchmarking information. Consultants have been used to help with priorities and work has been done with the Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development regarding levels of pay.

Councillor Gilchrist asked about energy services and how BANES was aiming to outprice larger companies. He also noted the difficulties in getting people to convert. David Trethewey, Divisional Director Strategy and Performance, explained that the authority would be going into a partnership agreement, not setting up alone. The procurement will test the market. He added that it is an aim to extend possible savings to those experiencing fuel poverty. The Strategic Director explained that the risk rating is ‘H’ (high) (page 38) due to it being part way through the process, there will have to be a Cabinet decision to take it forward.

Councillor Dando stated that it is difficult to scrutinize the proposals due to the lack of detail, especially in terms of risk. He explained that the Library service changes are shown as proposals yet the saving is shown here already. He added that there is time to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

A cover report on ‘Budget and Council Tax 2017/18 and Financial Outlook 2017/18 to 2019/20’ is attached. Please note that Appendix 4 will be sent out at a later date:

• Appendix 1: Budget report - attached
• Appendix 2: Equalities Impact Assessment - attached
• Appendix 3: Summary notes from the Area Forum Meetings - attached

·  Appendix 4:  Summary of other January 2017 PDS meetings - to follow

Andrew Pate, Strategic Director for Resources, introduced the report. He explained that the report contains more detail for year 1 and less for years 2 and 3. He reminded the Panel that the Council will be setting the budget for 2017/18 (not the future years) at its meeting on 14^th February 2017.

Tim Richens, Divisional Director – Business Support highlighted the main points as the Panel went through the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

(Budget report papers pages 7-117)

Councillor Goodman asked about the Retained Local Business Rates scheme and if the retention on growth remains in 2019/20. The Officer explained the pilot scheme allows the authority to keep 50% of growth at present but that the scheme goes national in 2020 and the baseline will be reset. He further explained that the Government aim is that the authority keeps Business Rates but that other government grants are no longer paid.

Councillor Barrett asked for the breakdown of Table 5 (page 31) as the ‘unknowns’ make up 10% of the budget.

In response to a query from Councillor Gladwyn, the officer explained that the figure of £950k (page 28) represents a one off provision to fund a number of appeals (businesses can appeal their assessments) that have happened in the last year.

Councillor Becker asked if Business Rate retention money goes into a common pot and also if the extra Council Tax money for Adult Social Care goes to that area only and will residents see the benefit. The officer explained that the Government are swapping Business Rates for other grants which will disappear so there is no direct benefit to businesses. Regarding Adult Social Care, he explained that the money is strictly ring-fenced to that service and will help the authority keep up with the demographic demand for the service. In response to a question on CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) from Councillor Becker, the officer explained that this is a ring-fenced tax for infrastructure.

Councillor Barrett asked about the additional income as a result of Devolution. The officer explained that one positive from devolution is that the authority gets to participate in the pilot regarding Business Rates. The £30million per year for 30 years goes to the combined authority whose leadership will set the priorities for investment, mainly in infrastructure, and so no additional money comes to individual Councils, although their areas will benefit from the investment.

Councillor Dando asked about the minimum reserve policy and whether the Council will pay more for borrowing over a long period. The officer explained that it does not cost the Council more money but it changes what is set aside each year.

Regarding the Corporate Estate information, Councillor Goodman asked about the Guildhall and stated that it did not seem to be a large amount of money to keep it in good repair. Derek Quliter - Divisional Director Property & Project Management, explained thatlittle money was needed this year because over the last 2  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency Councillor Charles Gerrish updated the Panel that he had been spending most of his time working on the Budget but could also report back on the following:

·  There is an ADL Board meeting tomorrow and the Business Plan will go to the Cabinet;

·  He has had a meeting with the Mayor regarding a possible Community Asset Transfer;

·  He has spent some time correcting mis-information regarding the Women’s Refuge Shop in Walcot Street – the reason for closure is not to do with the Council.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting officers.

The Panel noted the workplan.