Issue - meetings

a)            THE FINANCIAL PLAN 2023/2027 AND COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION 2023/24  (Document attached)

Pursuant to Minute CAB117: Financial Plan2022/2027of the Cabinet Meeting held on 7 February 2023, the “Financial Plan 2022/2027and Council Tax Resolution 2023/2024” the document attached as a supplementary to the agenda for consideration and decision includes an updated summary of the Financial Plan 2022/2027, the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner - Council Tax for 2023/2024 and details of Parish Precepts and Internal Drainage Boards levies for 2023/2024. 

NOTE:In accordance with Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 165, Local Government, England, The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, any decision taken on the Council’s Budget or Council Tax setting must be taken with a recorded vote

b)         CABINET RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 7 FEBRUARY 2023 (document attached)

CAB118 :        Treasury Management Policy

CAB119:         Capital Strategy 2023-24

CAB120:         Capital Programme 2023-24

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Pursuant to Minute CAB117: Financial Plan2022/2027of the Cabinet Meeting held on 7 February 2023, the “Financial Plan 2022/2027 and Council Tax Resolution 2023/2024” the document attached as a supplementary to the agenda for consideration and decision included an updated summary of the Financial Plan 2022/2027, the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner - Council Tax for 2023/2024 and details of Parish Precepts and Internal Drainage Boards levies for 2023/2024. 

Councillor Dickinson proposed the recommendations set out in the report and spoke in favour of the proposed Budget.  She highlighted the key elements of the budget which was fully funded for years 1-3.  The proposed council tax increase was 3.2% which included the levy increases made by the Internal Drainage Boards which was 43% of the Borough’s total council tax collected.  She gave a breakdown of the allocation of the overall Council Tax collected for the County Council, Police, Parishes and Borough.  She drew attention to the fact that the Council had one of the lowest Council tax levels in the country. And highlighted that the budget was orientated towards residents and businesses with no increase in fees and charges or any cuts to services.

Councillor Dark seconded the Motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor Parish as Leader of the Independent Group thanked officers for communicating the essence details and ramifications of the budget.  He commented on the use of the reserves to balance the budget for the next 3 years was a false promise as reviews from 2024 would be needed.  He hoped the IDB funding would be reviewed by the Government.  He commented that the new administration would not be as fortunate, but that the reserves held to date should have been spent when they were accrued for the benefit of the residents.  He felt the Government had underfunded local government.

Councillor Jones as Deputy Leader of the Labour Group addressed the Council on the budget commenting on the level of charges made, he felt that the budget didn’t help those in need.   He commented on the additional resources allocated to the planning department, high costs of charging of halls rented out, and that Labour would prosecute fly tippers.

Councillor Dark asked for confirmation as to any amendment which were planned to be moved.  The Labour Group confirmed they would have none.

Councillor Joyce spoke on the budget and referenced the forthcoming elections, spend, borrowing and earmarked reserves.  He commented on the fees and charges and Alive West Norfolk where residents not using it were paying for it.  He commented on the outsourcing of leisure facilities. 

Councillor Sandell considered the budget was prudent, taking into account the cost of living.  She gave examples of the services provided to residents taking into account support during the cost of living crisis.

Councillor Kemp did not support the budget as she considered there was not enough attention given to services. She considered there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74