·
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision
scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following urgent Cabinet item:
Revenue
Budget 2022/23
Members
Considered the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s 2022/23 revenue
budget including investments in services, investments from reserves and
proposed council tax levels, as detailed within the circulated report.
Discussions
took place around the proposal to freeze Neath Port Talbots Council Tax for
2022/23. It was highlighted that Neath Port Talbot have the third highest
council tax in Wales. Within the Consultation it was noted that there was a
high percentage of responses in favour of the freeze. However, it was queried
that there was not option within the consultation to reduce Council Tax and
members felt that this may also have had a good response. Members highlighted
that further in the report pack there was an urgent item in relation to setting
up a hardship fund utilising monies from the underspend. Members queried
whether that money could be utilised to cover the additional money to propose a
reduction in council tax. The Section 151 officer explained that he is duty
bound to provide a prudent, affordable and sustainable proposals for the
Cabinet and Council to consider and within his professional role he felt that a
freeze was the most affordable and sustainable option for members to consider.
Members asked Cabinet to reconsider the level of council tax going to Cabinet
and Council and to provide an alternative proposal showing a cut in Council
Tax.
Members
queried that if 3.1 million were to be moved out of general reserves would
there be 17 million remaining. Officers confirmed that there would be 17
Million remaining in general reserves.
It
was also highlighted that the charge for pest control had decreased to a charge
of £40.
Members
discussed the potential for any unexpected issues arising in future, following
the result of the pandemic. Therefore, felt that it was important to ensure
that we can provide the public with an affordable council tax rate along with
ensuring the council has sustainable reserves.
Members
asked cabinet to consider prior to the decision on Council Tax being taken at
Council tomorrow, would they consider reducing Council Tax rather than a freeze
currently included in the recommendations at today’s meeting. As a result some
members abstained from the vote that followed.
Following
scrutiny, the recommendations detailed within the report were supported to
Cabinet.
Capital
Strategy and Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2024/25
Members
received the Capital Strategy and Capital Programme for 2022/23 to 2024/25. The
Capital Strategy sets out the Capital Programme planning process, governance
and financial sustainability considerations, as detailed within the circulated
report.
Discussions
took place around the costings of the work completed on Margam
Castle’s stone work. It was noted that the work was approved as part of last
year’s capital programme.
Members
also discussed prudential borrowing. It was noted that interest rates are low
currently. It was noted that the Section 151 officer would provide further
details on prudential borrowing outside the meeting.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by
Cabinet.
Monthly
Budget Monitoring Report 2021/22 – As at end of December 2021
Members
received an update on the Council’s projected budget position based on
information available as at 31st December 2021.
Members
were advised that the urgent Item that is due to be discussed at today’s
meeting was connected to this report.
Members
queried whether the 2.3 million pound underspend could be utilised to reduce
council tax. The section 151 officer explained that the
underspend would be considered by Cabinet.
It
was highlighted that if Cabinet opted to agree with the Hardship Fund, then the
council had utilised the underspend to support people
in difficult times.
Members
queried the underspend in Additional Learning needs.
It was noted that funding as received and therefor weren’t required to use core
funding resulting in an undersepdn. The money has
been put in to reserves to support the following year as funding isn’t
guaranteed to be received for the following year
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by
Cabinet.
Capital
Budget Monitoring 2021/22
Members
were provided with information in relation to the delivery of the 2021/22
Capital Programme.
Members
queried the grant received to support coal tip safety. It was asked whether
this grant was adequate. Officers highlighted that they were pleased to receive
a grant and it was providing support for the high risk coal tips. It was noted
that the amount of money to support all coal tips would be a huge cost and
would be very unlikely to be received from the government.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by
Cabinet.
Treasury
Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision
Policy
Officers
highlighted the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy
and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2022/23, as detailed within the
circulated report.
Reassurance
was sought in relation to treasury management and the link to the current
national situation in Europe. It was noted that all our investments are with UK
banks or UK authorities and officers reassured members that there weren’t any
risks from the emerging situations.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by
Cabinet.