Issue - meetings

The Council received the minutes and considered the recommendations from the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 6^th February 2018 as well as the recommendations that had been agreed at the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 19^th February immediately before full Council.

6^th February 2018

Independent Remuneration Panel Report and Recommendations for 2018/19

Members noted that the proposals that had been received from the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) would require an additional £68,500 if approved.  There was general consensus that, given the funding difficulties for local government, such an increase would not be appropriate at this time.

RESOLVED that

having regard to the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP):

1)        the Basic Allowance for 2018/19 not be increased and this continue at the current level set for 2017/18, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the IRP’s report;

2)        the Special Responsibility Allowances remain at the current levels set for 2017/18, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the IRP’s report;

3)        travel allowances for 2018-19 continue to be paid in accordance with the HMRC mileage allowance;

4)        subsistence allowances for 2018-19 remain unchanged;

5)        the Dependent Carer’s Allowance remains unchanged; and

6)        the Parish Council in the Borough, if travel and subsistence is paid, is paid in accordance with the rates paid by Redditch Borough Council and in accordance with the relevant Regulations.

HRA Initial Budget 2018/19 – 2020/21

Members considered the content of the HRA Initial Budget 2018/19 – 2020/21 and noted that in line with Government requirements there had been a one per cent decrease on the rents paid by tenants for Council properties over a four year period. This decrease on the rents had financial implications for the Council.  In addition on the one hand it was suggested the rental decrease would help some of the most vulnerable tenants. On the other hand it was noted that this decrease would mainly be reflected in changes to housing benefit entitlements for many residents.

Members also noted that the Council was investing in new properties through the Housing Growth Programme and the Mortgage Buy Back Scheme.  The outcomes from these would have implications for the Council’s HRA in the long-term.

RESOLVED that

1)        the draft 2018/2019 Budget for the Housing Revenue Account attached to the report at Appendix A be approved;

2)        the budget projection for 2018/19 incorporating the 1% rent reduction be approved;

3)        the actual average rent decrease for 2018/2019 be 1%;

4)        that a capital budget of £150k be approved for a stock condition survey to be carried out

5)        that £0.876k be transferred from the general reserve in 2018/19 to fund the future HRA revenue budgets

6)        that £5.1m be transferred from the Major Repairs Reserve to fund the HRA capital programme.

Minutes

RESOLVED that

the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee held on 6^th February 2018 be received and all recommendations adopted.

19^th February 2018

Medium Term Financial Plan for 2018/19 to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78