Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report, updating Cabinet on the results of the statutory budget consultation.

It was noted that at present the budget balanced, however in the medium term there remained some uncertainty.

Members informed the meeting that in a recent Tenant’s Consultation, tenants were in favour of a rent increase in order to maintain the high standard of housing which was currently provided.

It was also noted that during the consultation, the public were in favour of a freeze in Council Tax rates.

It was moved by Councillor N Rushton, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Special Expense budgets be recommended to Council .

This included:

A) The district’s share of council tax in 2022/23 be frozen

B) Rents be increased by up to 4.1%

C) Special expense precepts be changed as detailed in section 5

D) Fees and charges be changed as detailed in appendices 1b, 2b and 2c

2. The S151 assurance statement given in section 5 be noted; and

3. Authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Corporate Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the budget to improve its accuracy prior to consideration at Council on 24 February 2022

Reason for decision: Required as part of the 2022/23 budget process.