Issue - meetings

Council considered minutes from meetings of the Executive Committee held on 8^th December 2020, 12^th January 2021 and 19^th January 2021.

The following items were discussed in detail:

Fees and Charges 2021/22

Members discussed the fees and charges that had been proposed for 2021/22.  During consideration of this report, Members noted that whilst some fees would be increased at a standard 2 per cent others would not increase at all.  However, there were some fees where a greater increase had been suggested and concerns were raised about the proposed 5.8 per cent increase for the bulky waste collection service, which represented a 50 pence increase.  On the one hand, Members raised concerns that the increase could result in a rise in fly tipping, at a significant cost to the Council and questions were raised about the potential to decrease the fee.  On the other hand, Members commented that the fee for the bulky waste collection service had not increased since 2018, the fee compared favourably to that charged by other local authorities for a similar service and the increase would help to cover the costs of the service.  Members also commented on the alternative options available to bulky waste collections, including recycling and reuse.

Financial Monitoring Report Quarter 2 2020/21

The Financial Monitoring Quarter 2 report 2020/21 was discussed and Members welcomed the proposed investment in the Arrow Valley and Morton Stanley Parks, which would involve resurfacing works and the introduction of a café and toilets at Morton Stanley Park.  Members commented that investment in outdoor facilities during the pandemic would have a positive impact on the wellbeing of local residents.

Discussions were also held about the financial position of the Council.  On the one hand, Members commented that the Council had received Government grant funding which had helped the authority to manage the impact of Covid-19.  On the other hand, concerns were raised that the Section 24 Notice that had been issued against the Council by the external auditors in 2019 still remained in place.

Independent Remuneration Panel 2021/22 Report

Members considered the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations regarding Members’ allowances for 2021/22 and in doing so commented on the independence of the panel.  The Independent Remuneration Panel was thanked for their hard work.  However, Members commented that during a global pandemic, at a time when many people were struggling financially, it was difficult to justify an increase to Members’ allowances.  For this reason, Members agreed that the basic allowance and Members Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) should remain unchanged.

Redditch Town’s Deal – Town Investment Plan

Members considered the Redditch Town Investment Plan and during the debate in respect of this matter the following issues were highlighted:

·                The positive impact that the proposed £25 million investment, should it be approved by Government, would have on the regeneration of Redditch town centre.

·                The fact that Redditch had been shortlisted for funding.  Members noted that some towns had not been successful when they had applied for support from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58