Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Housing and Customer Services

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

Councillor N Rushton presented the report which set out the General Fund and Special Expenses Revenue Budget proposals for 2021/22, requested Cabinet to note the assurance statement by the Section 151 Officer and recommended these budgets to Council for approval.

Since Cabinet’s consideration of the draft General Fund Budget on 8 December 2020, there had been increases in the projected surplus to £1.1 million for a variety of reasons including additional funding through the provisional settlement, additional business rates funding, and additional car parking income arising from another report on the agenda.

It was proposed and supported by Members that the £6,500 provision for litter picking be enhanced to £15,000in order to allow each Parish and Town Council (including Coalville Special Expenses) to be allocated £576 for the supply of equipment. Supporting volunteer litter pickers was highlighted as a positive and sensible solution to an ongoing problem across the District.

It was moved by Councillor N Rushton, seconded by Councillor A Woodman and

RESOLVED THAT

Cabinet note the Assurance Statement by the S151 Officer; and  recommends to full Council that it:

1)    Approves the amended General Fund Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix B, subject to the inclusion of additional funding for litter picking, taking this budget to £15,000.

2)    Approves the General Fund Revenue Budget for 2021/22 as summarised in Appendix C, subject to the inclusion of additional funding for litter picking, taking this budget to £15,000;

3)    Approves the Special Expenses Revenue Budget for 2021/22 as summarised in Appendix D;

4)    Freezes the District’s Council Tax in 2021/22; and

5)    Requires the budgeted surplus income over expenditure in 2021/22 to be transferred to the Self Sufficiency Reserve

Reason for decision: To enable the Council to set a balanced budget for 2021/22 as required by statute.