Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Duncan, Liz Harrington, Loraine Rossati and Paige Abrey – Youth Mayor.

At this juncture tributes were given, and a minute’s silence observed in remembrance of former Councillor and Mayor David Weston who had passed away on 8 February 2023.  Members were advised that his funeral would be taking place on Wednesday, 8 March 2023.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25 January 2023.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 25 January 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To advise Council of the results of the By-Election in Bedwell Ward held on 19 January 2023, together with the percentage turnout.

It was RESOLVED that the results of the Bedwell By-Election held on 19 January 2023, together with the percentage turnout, be noted.

To approve the Council’s Final General Fund Budget 2023/24 and Capital Strategy for 2022/23 to 2027/28, and final proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax and Council Tax Support Scheme.

[Note:  Approval of the Council Tax Resolution set out in Appendix F is subject to confirmation of the precept figures for Hertfordshire County Council, which won’t be available until after the County Council has met to determine this on 21 February 2023.]

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the Council, then introduced the proposed 2023/2024 General Fund Budget and final proposals for the 2023/24 Council Tax and Council Tax Support Scheme. 

Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd, Executive Member for Resources, Transformation and ICT then moved the Motion, recommendations of the Executive and the formal Council Tax Resolution that had been circulated to Members. This was then formally seconded by the Leader, Councillor Henry.

Councillor Phil Bibby, Leader of the Opposition moved and Councillor Adam Mitchell seconded the following amendment:

‘The Stevenage Conservative Group propose the following amendments to the 2023/24 General Fund budget. This is a fully costed proposal that seeks to deliver a £55,000 pot of money which children’s groups/clubs/sports bodies can bid for to provide extra sessions, spaces and/or resources for children to attend during school holidays.

This proposal is funded through the following budget reductions:

·       Removal of Town Twinning from the 2023/24 budget saving £14,000 (noting this is not in the budget for 2024/25)

·       Reduction in the growth for the Climate Change Head of Service Post to a part time role with a 100% focus on dealing with the climate impact of our Housing stock saving the General Fund £41,000

These General Fund budget reductions total £55,000 and mean the proposed amendment is cost neutral to the General Fund for 2023/24.’

Following a full debate and a vote, the amendment was lost.

After further debate, a recorded vote* was taken on the substantive motion and it was RESOLVED:

1.               That the following be approved:

a.              the revised working revenue estimates for the year 2022/23 amounting to £11,368,750 and the revenue estimates for 2023/24 amounting to £12,463,780;

b.              the contribution from balances totalling £1,932,974 in 2022/23;

c.              the contribution from balances totalling £572,268 in 2023/24.

2.               That it be noted that at its meeting on 7 December 2022 the Executive calculated the amount of 28,153.1 Band D equivalent properties as its council tax base for the year 2023/24 in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 made under Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by Section 74 of the Localism Act 2011.

3.               That the following amounts be calculated by the Council for the year 2023/24 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by Section 74 of the Localism Act 2011:

To approve the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24, including the Prudential Code indicators.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Annual Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy following consideration by the Audit Committee and Executive.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

To consider a resolution to extend the 6 month attendance rule for Councillor Liz Harrington, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Council considered a report in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, to extend Councillor Liz Harrington’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 4 May 2023 (the date of the Borough Council Elections).

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillor Liz Harrington’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 4 May 2023 (the date of the Borough Council Elections) on the grounds of ill health be approved.