Agenda item

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report and additional papers to Members.

He advised that the current budget had contributed to the balances of £15,426 with additional approved spending from the balances of £16,280. He informed Members that there was a forecasted reduction of cemetery income of £12,000, which meant that a forecasted contribution of £11,802 from the balances was required, and in turn, it meant that the overall balances were forecasted to be £80,311. He highlighted that £45,000 was required to be kept in the balances so Members could allocate a further £35,000 out of balances towards other schemes.

Councillor M B Wyatt raised concerns that verges, flower bushes & hedges along Bardon Road needed improvement as it was the gateway to Coalville and that there was no money in the budget to maintain it. He felt that the council could look at potential income streams such as advertising on bus shelters.

Councillor J Geary agreed that the Bardon area could do with being enhanced and requested that proposals be brought to a future meeting.

The Head of Community Services advised that the Council was developing a Commercial Strategy and would highlight the advertising opportunity to the officers working on it.

The Leisure Services Manager advised that he was happy to look at an improvement scheme for Bardon Road, however he reminded Members that it was owned by LCC and that they would have the final decision on ay improvements.

The Head of Community Services highlighted the main changes to the 19/20 draft budget that included a reduction in the burial fee income of £4,000, that a budget of £3,000 for the moving of the MVAS has been included and that the new site at Lillehammer Drive had been taken on £5,200 had been budgeted for maintenance costs. He informed Members that there was an increase to the events budget of £2,000 and a reduction of £10,000 in the Park and Recreation Grounds Operational budget. He advised Members that it was recommended that £46,000 be kept in the balances, that would allow £42,000 to be allocated to other schemes, however paragraph 1.3 highlighted that there would be maintenance work required to assets within the special expense area and Members should see the schedule before agreeing to allocate any further funds.

In response to a question from Councillor M B Wyatt, the Head of Community Services advised that there were funds available so if Members wished they could allocate more to the Christmas events.

Councillor M B Wyatt suggested that when planning applications were submitted for the Coalville area Members could request that a one-off contribution be made towards events in the town.

Councillor M Specht agreed with the comments about Bardon Road and that most developers as a good will gustier would come on board.

Members requested that proposals for hanging baskets around the Town Centre be brought to a future meeting.

It was moved by Councillor M Specht, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The 18/19 P7 Position/Forecast Outturn be noted.

2. The Draft Budget for 2019/20 be noted.