Agenda item

Members of Council received a copy of the above report of the Corporate Directors’ Group, which had been commended to Council by Cabinet held on 3^rd February, 2015.

Members were pleased to note that the subsidy of up to £90,000 in respect of Cymmer swimming pool would be maintained until 31^st December, 2015, to allow time for a possible transfer of the pool to the community or a community group. Members noted the Equalities Impact Assessment (detailed within the circulated report).

Members felt that the revised Scrutiny arrangements had aided the discussions around the Budget 2015/16, and also felt that it was important that local residents had had the opportunity to comment on the proposals. Members noted that the Council Tax Setting Process for 2015/16 would be completed at the scheduled meeting of Council on 27^th February 2015. At this meeting Council will determine the total Council Tax for 2015/16 incorporating the Neath Port Talbot CBC, Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales and the relevant Community Council elements.

RESOLVED:         (a)      that the revised budget position and arrangements for 2014/15, as set out in the circulated report, be approved;

                                (b)     that the Council’s compliance with Welsh Government’s requirement to protect schools funding, be noted;

                                (c)      that the Council’s compliance with Welsh Government’s requirement in relation to Equality Impact Assessments in setting the Budget for 2015/16, be noted;

                                (d)     that the Budget requirement for 2015/16, together with service plans for the delivery of these Budgets, as set out in the above circulated report, be approved;

                                (e)      that the Budget/Forward Financial Plan savings, as outlined in Appendix 3 to the above circulated report, be approved;

                                (f)      that the Corporate Directors continue to progress the savings and improvement programme for the Authority;

                                (g)     that the delegation for setting Fees and Charges for Executive decisions be approved, subject to the criteria set out in the circulated report;

                                (h)     that the delegation for setting Fees and Charges for Non-Executive decisions be approved, subject to the criteria set out in the above circulated report;

                                (i)      that the Band D equivalent Council Tax for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council element only be confirmed at £1,368.40.