Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H Farrow, R Galloway, T Hart, R Heard, O Kennedy, A Lenaghan, Mrs Smallcorn, G Smith, K Smith and M Wilson.

To confirm the minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on 19 November 2013 and of the Extraordinary Scrutiny Board held on 17 December 2013.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board held on 19 November 2013 and of the Extraordinary Scrutiny Board held on 17 December 2013 be approved as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meetings.

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting.

There were no declarations of interests from any of the members present.

The Chairman reminded members that the Scrutiny Board originally scheduled for 20 May 2014 had now been rescheduled for 3 June 2014.

The Board was given an opportunity to consider and comment upon the proposed Revenue Budget and Medium Term Strategy 2014/15 to 2018/19.

The Leader of the Council, the Executive Head for Governance and Logistics and the Service Manager (Finance) were invited to join the meeting and answered members’ questions in connection with the report.

The Board then held a detailed discussion over various aspects of the budget and the following key points were raised during the course of the discussion:

·        The value of the council’s property portfolio and the annual income this provided;

·        The role of Future Basing and the need to engage communities and community partners in the future running and management of council assets;

·        The proposed car parking charges for several car parks situated throughout the borough;

·        Exploring future options for council owned beach huts; and

·        The difficulties involved in predicting how much future income the council will receive through the New Homes Bonus.

In response to several specific questions relating to the proposed prices for services in 2014/15 it was agreed that responses would be circulated to the Board following the meeting.

At the conclusion of the debate the officers were thanked for all their work in preparing a comprehensive budget report.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet

(1)          The proposed revenue and capital budget for 2014/15, including a Council tax rate of £192.78 at Band D (0% increase);

(2)          The Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators; and

(3)          The proposed prices for services for 2014/15.

The Board was given an opportunity to review progress to date with regard to the various scrutiny and policy reviews currently being undertaken by the Panels and to identify potential new matters for scrutiny.  Each of the Scrutiny Lead Councillors were asked to provide a brief update on their intended next steps and programme for reporting back to the Board.

RESOLVED that no additional matters be included in the Board’s work programme at the present time.