Decisions

Purpose:
The calculation of the tax base for the area and the amounts for each Parish are set out for the Chief Finance Officer (as authorised Section 151 officer) to approve, and to notify the relevant Precepting bodies accordingly. The Section 151 Officer is required to estimate the amount of any surplus or deficit on the Collection Fund as at 31st March 2023. This must be done by the 15th January 2023 (or first working day thereafter), and this report also asks the Chief Finance Officer to approve the balance projected related to Council Tax.

In accordance with regulations for the Council Tax regime, it is necessary for each billing authority to resolve the calculation of the Council Tax base for its area before the details are provided to the major Precepting Authorities for use in their calculations. The information must be notified between 1st December and 31st January in the financial year preceding that to which the tax base applies.

The Council Tax base figure is used as the basis to calculate the Council Tax charges for Bath & North East Somerset Council and each of the individual Parish precepts for the area. It also contributes to the tax bases of the Avon & Somerset Police Authority and the Avon Fire Authority.
Consultation has taken place between the Head of Financial Services, the Head of Financial Management and the Chief Finance Officer.

The calculation of the Council’s tax base for the year 2023-24 as set out in this report is approved.

The amount calculated by Bath & North East Somerset Council as its tax base for the whole area for the year 2023-24 shall be 68,609.94 after adjustment for discretionary changes to discounts and exemptions, the impact of the Council Tax Support scheme (CTS), and projected growth in tax base during 2023-24.

The detailed calculations allow for a ninety-nine per cent collection rate (99.00%). For the parts of the area listed below for the year 2023-24, the adjusted tax base shall be:

Bath 32,781.99
Bathampton 762.19
Batheaston 1,152.52
Bathford 835.46
Camerton 263.71
Charlcombe 224.04
Chelwood 64.50
Chew Magna 663.18
Chew Stoke 483.00
Claverton 74.22
Clutton 618.99
Combe Hay 90.87
Compton Dando 296.59
Compton Martin 257.72
Corston 195.65
Dunkerton & Tunley 240.71
East Harptree 329.68
Englishcombe 142.06
Farmborough 518.11
Farrington Gurney 332.41
Freshford 316.88
High Littleton 838.28
Hinton Blewett 146.42
Hinton Charterhouse 243.40
Kelston 87.79
Keynsham 6,993.88
Marksbury 195.65
Midsomer Norton 4,078.82
Monkton Combe 177.22
Nempnett Thrubwell 107.05
Newton St. Loe 71.29
North Stoke 50.25
Norton Malreward 113.08
Paulton 2,094.93
Peasedown St. John 2,153.93
Priston 123.44
Publow with Pensford 495.68
Radstock 1,758.46
Saltford 1,828.86
Shoscombe 172.37
South Stoke 272.79
St. Catherine 41.41
Stanton Drew 331.13
Stowey Sutton 690.19
Swainswick 127.49
Temple Cloud with Cameley 547.71
Timsbury 948.22
Ubley 176.38
Wellow 257.67
West Harptree 237.82
Westfield 1,913.51
Whitchurch 690.34
Total 68,609.94

This project is to replace the existing bridge at Keynsham Memorial Park. Following investigative surveys completed in the maintenance programme, the poor condition of this structure was identified as in need for substantive replacement. The bridge is currently closed due to safety concerns and we plan to remove and replace it in Spring 2023. The new bridge will be designed to last longer than the existing bridge and cost less to maintain. Planned work includes removal of the central pier which obstructs water flow in the river below, landscaping of the area around the new bridge and access to the existing footpaths.

To fully approve capital amounting to £750k from the provisional capital programme item Keynsham Memorial Park Bridge of £750k.

To maintain the roll-out of replacement computers to all Council staff in support of hybrid working arrangements and to support for accommodation arrangements, with additional Wi-fi and meeting room equipment.

To fully approve capital amounting to £500k from the provisional capital programme item IT Asset Refresh.

To consider data received from recent informal public consultation in respect of a proposed 11.7% increase in the maximum table of fares for licensed Hackney Carriages in B&NES.

An update to the 2013 Local Enforcement Plan. The updated plan will provide confidence to residents that the Council can deal with planning enforcement issues when they arise. It will also ensure that all customers are fully aware of our approach, how we operate, the time frames within which customers can expect an outcome and what we can (and cannot) do. Updating the plan will therefore ensure a greater level of transparency.

To design, supply, and install acoustic material to help improve noise and reverberation levels and improve four classrooms at Hayesfield Girls' School.

To fully approve the capital scheme to the value of £28k, funded by government grant.

To implement Resident Parking Zones (RPZ) for the following locations as part of Liveable Neighbourhood Project following Public Consultation. These were identified in the outline provisional priority schemes programme approved by Cabinet on 23 June 2021 in decision E3285 and formally defined through public consultation. The final list is as the list as set out below.

Area Properties
Chelsea Road 141
Beacon Hill 50
Hungerford Road 256
Snow Hill 1388
Sion Hill 98
Entry Hill 121
Lyme Gardens 97
Oldfield/Westmoreland 1800

The capital cost of £630K will be funded from Strategic Transport Infrastructure 2022/23 provisional budget, in turn funded from Community Infrastructure Levy. Whilst originally earmarked for matching local contributions to City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Projects, this is not required in 2022/23. Future Income from RPZ will now fund equivalent local contributions later in the CRSTS as required.

To fully approve further capital of £630k to Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme from the provisional capital budget Strategic Transport Infrastructure.

The creation of a charity for the Fashion Museum was agreed in principle as part of the Heritage Services Business Plan 2022 – 2027 (ref: E3346). Heritage Services (the Service) has worked with Winckworth Sherwood to prepare the registration documentation and is now ready for the next step: registration with Companies house and subsequently the Charity Commission. The Service is seeking approval to proceed with set up. The Fashion Museum Foundation will be a registered charity and a Company Limited by guarantee. This charity aims to fulfil the Council’s vision for the Fashion Museum project through its objects. This replicates the existing successful model between the Service and the Roman Baths Foundation.