Agenda item

Cabinet took on board the concerns of the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Cefn Coed Museum, car parking charges at the Gnoll, the savings in relation to Celtic Leisure and the Pontardawe Arts Centre. Cabinet responded that should any savings be withdrawn from consideration today an alternative proposal would be required in order to achieve a balanced budget.  The proposal in relation to car parking at the Gnoll would be reviewed after the initial 6 months period. Members of Cabinet also noted the views of the Scrutiny Committee that the report should refer to ‘cuts’ instead of ‘savings’. In relation to the delegation of fees and charges, Cabinet supported the request of the Scrutiny Committee that Ward Members be consulted should the proposal be specifically in relation to their Ward.

Decisions:

That having due regard to the Equality Impact Assessment, set out in the circulated report and Appendix 7 attached thereto:

a)       The following matters be delegated to the appropriate Corporate Director following consultation with the Leader of Council, relevant Cabinet Member and Chair of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee:-

·               Fees and charges applicable for the financial year 2018/19;

·               Fees and charges applicable in any subsequent financial year and which, in the opinion of the relevant Corporate Director, need to be set in advance of the financial year for operational reasons.

b)        The report be commended to Council as follows:

i)          Latest budget position 2017/18 –the revised budget position and arrangements for 2017/18, be approved

ii)        The Council’s Revenue Budget 2018/19

-     the Equality Impact Assessment and Crime and Disorder impacts be taken into account in setting the budget for 2018/19

-     the Net Revenue Budget requirement for 2018/19 and the service plans for the delivery of the budgets, be approved

-     the budget/forward financial plan savings outlined in Appendix 4, to the circulated report, be approved

-     that Corporate Directors be instructed to progress the savings and improvement programme for the Authority

iii)       Fees and charges for non-executive functions that the determination of the following matters be delegated to the appropriate Corporate Director following consultation with the Leader of Council, Deputy Leader and Chair of the relevant Non Executive Committee

-     Fees and charges applicable in 2018/19

-     Fees and charges applicable in any subsequent financial year and which, in the opinion of the Corporate Director, need to be set in advance of that financial year for operational reasons

iv)      Council Tax 2018/19 – That the 2018/19 Band D equivalent for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council will be £1,496.71.

v)    In relation to the delegation of fees and charges Ward Members be consulted should the proposal be specifically in relation to their Ward.

Reasons for Decisions:

To fulfil the statutory requirement to determine the budget for 2018/19.

To seek support for the Council’s Forward Financial Plan.

To agree arrangements for setting Fees and Charges.

Implementation of Decisions:

         The decisions will be implemented after consideration and approval by Council.