21 February 2019
Motion
A report presented to council provided details of the revenue and capital budget proposals for 2019/20.
The cabinet had considered initial budget proposals on 20 November 2018, which had been developed in accordance with the principles set out in the medium term financial strategy. In accordance with the budget and policy framework rules within the constitution, the overview and scrutiny committees had then considered the cabinet's proposals prior to cabinet's consideration of the draft budget on 5 February 2019.
It was noted that an overarching diversity impact assessment, as set out in appendix 8 to the report, summarised the results of the diversity impact assessments which had been completed for each of the services affected by the proposed budget changes.
In his introduction, the leader of the council, Councillor Jarrett referred to an addendum report which was circulated to advise the council of a correction required to the calculation of the council tax uplift and yield, a series of revisions to the budget requirement and a change to the schedule of parish council precepts, all of which were explained in the report and highlighted in bold in the revised recommendations at paragraph 2 of the addendum report and revised appendices 1, 5, 6 and 6a.
The leader highlighted additional revenue budget headroom as a consequence of these changes as follows:
| Source of funding | |
|---|---|
| Additional council tax yield from a revised Band D rate of £1415.43 | £253,000 |
| Efficiency savings in the Children and Adults Directorate | £300,000 |
| Net additional income from Pentagon Centre rents | £1,000 000 |
| Total | £1,553,000 |
The leader also stated that he would be proposing additional capital schemes which would be funded from capital receipts with the exception of the purchase of the Pentagon Centre which would be funded by prudential borrowing. The Corn Exchange/Guildhall Museum, BRMF (building repairs and maintenance fund) and the Pentagon Centre related to additions to the 2018/19 capital programme whereas the other schemes related to the 2019/20 capital programme.
The leader of the council, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the deputy leader and portfolio holder for housing and community services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations set out in section 2 of the addendum report, together with the following detailed changes listed below in relation to recommendations 2.3 and 2.4 of the addendum report:
"Revenue Budget:
More detail to support the revised figures as reflected in the total net expenditure in recommendation 2.3 and shown in the revised summary table at appendix 1 of supplementary agenda 1:
| National Cycling Championship | £87,000 |
| Gaming festival | £50,000 |
| Environmental enforcement | £75,000 |
| Visit Kent campaign | £20,000 |
| Feasibility work to create a Rainham community hub | £25,000 |
| Civic amenity site improvements | £122,000 |
| Reduction in bulky waste charging | £123,000 |
| Freezing for permit charges at 2018/19 levels | £50,000 |
| Potholes repairs | £229,000 |
| Pay | £772,000 |
Capital Budget:
Approve the proposed capital programme as set out in appendix 3 and section 12 of the original report, amended for the additional capital schemes outlined below:
| Corn Exchange / Guildhall Museum | £590,000 |
| BRMF | £500,000 |
| Members priorities | £200,000 |
| Motorway signage | £60,000 |
| Civic amenity site improvements | £133,000 |
| Site hardening | £25,000 |
| Wigmore community hub | £250,000 |
| Play areas | £82,000 |
| RVS building adaptations | £50,000 |
| Purchase of Pentagon Centre | £45,000,000" |
On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.
Vote Result
| Votes in Favour | 29 | |
| Votes Against | 17 | |
| Absentees | 8 |
Votes in Favour
The following councillors voted in favour of the motion:
Votes Against
The following councillors voted against the motion: