Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Harold Heaton who had been admitted into hospital recently. On behalf of all the Councillors, the Mayor expressed her best wishes to Harold for a speedy recovery.

To approve the attached minutes of the last Council meeting held on 6 December 2011.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the last meeting of the Council held on 6 December 2011 be confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Mayor.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Mayor circulated a copy of her announcements, thanking all Members for their support during her recent illness, in particular the Deputy Mayor for undertaking engagements on her behalf, including the Holocaust Memorial Event the Homelessness Sunday Service and the Home Start Charity Ball.  Since returning to civic duties the Mayor had attended the Annual Civic Mass in Liverpool which was also celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the ordination of Archbishop Patrick Kelly.

There had been no requests received from members of the public.

A report of the Executive is enclosed, including the following appendices A to J. 

The Executive Member (Resources) presented the Executive’s General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax proposals for 2012/13.

The report set out the overriding objectives of the proposals which were to protect frontline services and to protect the tax payer by a reduction of 1% in Council Tax. The proposals also included a new budget growth package  delivering investment in services, promoting the local economy and creating jobs.

The budget strategy was based on key principles previously agreed by the Executive Cabinet which were:

·         To continue to be a high performing Council.

·         To freeze Council Tax for 2012/13.

·         To continue to provide value for money for the Council Tax payers of Chorley.

·         To continue to provide assistance to those wishing to start up  businesses in Chorley to create investment.

·         To develop NEETS in our Borough into work or education.

·         Develop programmes to support the current health reforms.

·         Safeguarding frontline services, particularly to continue to support the voluntary sector and PCSOs and focusing on the removal of bureaucracy and managerial posts.

·         Looking for opportunities to share services and generate additional revenue.

·         Preparing for the future and uncertainty over public finances.

·         To look to reduce debt and the consequent financing charges.

The report included a number of appendices with the detailed bases of the proposals. These were

Appendix A – Fees and Charges for 2011/12; and the Formal Council Tax Resolution; Pay Policy for 2012/13

Appendix B (1 - 4) – Capital Programme information

Appendix C – Budget Growth Package

Appendix D – Treasury Strategies and Prudential Indicators 2012/13 to 2014/15

Appendix E – Statutory Finance Officer report

Appendix F – Medium Term Financial Strategy

Appendix G – Significant Budget Movements 2011/12 to 2012/13

Appendix H – Special Expenses 2012/13

Appendix I –  Budget Consultation 2012

Appendix J – Assessing the Impact of the 2012/13 Budget Proposals        

Members debated the Executive’s proposed budget.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Labour Group then presented an alternative budget report for 2012/13 which proposed no increase in Council tax; and included the following differences from the Executive’s proposed budget.

·         Further savings from the Council’s management and back office functions

·         More significant support for the creation of jobs and employment opportunities in the Borough

·         Extra and significant investment in people’s neighbourhoods

·         A massive injection of cash to support the NEET population of the Borough

·         Money to help support the vulnerable in our Borough

·         A development scheme to assist Borough residents with fuel poverty and investment in green technology by the Council.

Members debated the Labour Group’s alternative budget.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Labour Group proposed and Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader seconded the adoption of the Alternative Budget as circulated with the agenda and it was RESOLVED that the alternative budget be rejected.

Councillor Kevin Joyce, Executive Member (Resources) then proposed and Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, Executive Leader seconded the Executive’s budget proposals and it was RESOLVED -

1.    That the General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax for 2012/13 be approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.C.261

To approve the following appointments:

·         The Executive Member (Places) to be appointed to the PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) & Bus Lane Adjudication Joint Committee.

·         The Executive Member (People) to be appointed as Armed Forces Champion to serve on the Armed Forces Covenant Group coordinated by the CVS.

Approval was sought to the appointment of Councillors to two outside bodies.

It was moved by the Executive Leader, Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, seconded by the Deputy Leader Councillor Ken Ball and RESOLVED – that the Executive Member (Places) be appointed to the PATROL and Bus Lane Adjudication Joint Committee; and the Executive Member (People) be appointed as Armed Forces Champion to serve on the Armed Forces Covenant Group, co-ordinated by the CVS.