This report seeks consideration and approval of the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2024/25.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 204/25 at Annex ‘A’ and ‘A’(1) of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report considered the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2024/25.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To ensure there was a long term financial planning mechanism for the Council.  The Financial Strategy supported all the Council’s priorities to ensure that all services could be delivered in a way that was affordable and sustainable.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2024/25 attached at Annex A and A(1) of the report.

This report provides the Quarter 3 update at 31 December 2020 on the progress of the Capital Programme 2020/2021 and the Treasury Management position.  A full schedule of the Capital Programme 2020/21 is attached at Annex A of the report, together with the relevant update on progress of each scheme.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the net decrease of £798,859 in the capital programme to £19,745,917 and all expenditure movements as detailed in Annex B and also in the capital programme attached at Annex A of the report; the increase of capital expenditure of £347,350 funded as follows: £323,778 is from external grants/contributions, £17,500 is funded from capital receipts and £6,072 from Economic Development Fund; the funding allocation to the capital programme as detailed in paragraph 3.1 and 3.2 of the report; the treasury management and prudential indicators at Annex E of the report; and to note the position of the Council’s third-party companies at Annex F of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided the Quarter 3 update at 31 December 2020 on the progress of the Capital Programme 2020/2021 and the Treasury Management position.  A full schedule of the Capital Programme 2020/21 was attached at Annex A of the report, together with the relevant update on progress of each scheme.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Capital expenditure was intrinsically linked with Treasury Management as the way that the Capital Programme was funded directly affected the Treasury Management arrangements of the Council.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council:-

(1)    the net decrease of £798,859 in the Capital Programme to £19,745,917 and all expenditure movements as detailed in Annex B and also in the Capital Programme attached at Annex A of the report;

(2)    the increase of capital expenditure of £347,350 funded as follows: £323,778 is from external grants/contributions, £17,500 is funded from capital receipts and £6,072 from Economic Development Fund;

(3)    the funding allocation to the Capital Programme as detailed in paragraph 3.1 and 3.2 of the report;

(4)    the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators at Annex E of the report; and

(5)    to note the position of the Council’s third-party companies at Annex F of the report.

This report provides an update on the revenue budget position of the Council and the reserve funds at the end of December 2020.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that the budget remains at £9,269,670 as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report; that reserves will be used to cover the shortfall created by the Covid-19 pandemic if sufficient funds are not received from Government at the year-end as detailed in paragraph 4.8 of the report; the total movement of the Economic Development Fund of £465,914 at paragraph 8.2 and to note that the Economic Development Fund remaining balance to be allocated at paragraph 8.5 of the report is £225,638; the transfer of funds detailed in paragraph 8.2 of the report from the Economic Development Fund of £1,200,000 to the Council Tax Payers Reserve in paragraph 8.6 of the report; and the allocation from the One Off Fund at paragraph 8.7 of the report of £101,150.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided an update on the revenue budget position of the Council and the reserve funds at the end of December 2020.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

It was a legal requirement under S25 of the Local Government Act 2003 to set a balanced budget and monitor the financial position throughout the year.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council:-

(1)    that the budget remains at £9,269,670 as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report;

(2)    that any COVID-19 funding received from Government to support expenditure that is not used in 2020/21 is carried forward into 2021/22 as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report;

(3)    that reserves will be used to cover the loss of income created by the COVID-19 pandemic if sufficient funds are not received from Government at the year-end as detailed in paragraph 4.9 of the report;

(4)    the total movement of the Economic Development Fund of £465,914 at paragraph 8.2 and to note that the Economic Development Fund remaining balance to be allocated at paragraph 8.5 of the report is £225,638;

(5)    the transfer of funds detailed in paragraph 8.2 of the report from the Economic Development Fund of £1,200,000 to the Council Tax-Payers Reserve in paragraph 8.6 of the report; and

(6)    the allocation from the One-Off Fund at paragraph 8.7 of the report of £101,150.

This report seeks approval for the submission of a revised Business Case for Future High Streets Fund to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the revised Business Case for Future High Streets Fund is approved and submitted; the capital contribution of £7,046,848 to support the delivery of Northallerton Future High Streets Fund Business Case is approved; the capital contribution of £830,042 to support the delivery of complimentary schemes in support of the Future High Streets Fund Business Case is approved; and the total capital expenditure for these schemes of £17,754,172 is included in the Capital Programme which is detailed in paragraph 4.3 of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval for the submission of a revised Business Case for Future High Streets Fund to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the Future High Street Fund Business Case supported the Council’s priority of Driving Economic Vitality; specifically supporting the development of Northallerton as a Vibrant Market Town supporting the short-term economic recovery and long term future sustainability of the High Street.  Also the Central Northallerton Redevelopment was identified as a key project in the Council Plan 2019 – 23.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)    the revised Business Case for Future High Streets Fund is approved and submitted;

(2)    the capital contribution of £7,046,848 to support the delivery of Northallerton Future High Streets Fund Business Case is approved;

(3)    the capital contribution of £830,042 to support the delivery of complimentary schemes in support of the Future High Streets Fund Business Case is approved; and

(4)    the total capital expenditure for these schemes of £17,754,172 is included in the Capital Programme which is detailed in paragraph 4.3 of the report.

This report considers the 10 Year Capital Programme covering the financial years 2021/22 to 2030/31, the 2021/22 Capital Programme and the Treasury Management Strategy Statement; including the Minimum Revenue Provision policy statement and Annual Investment Strategy.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that the 10 Year Capital Programme 2021/22 to 2030/31 at £35,398,320 be approved, as detailed in paragraph 2.2 and attached at Annex A of the report; the Capital Programme 2021/22 at £26,059,362 detailed in Annex A where the additional schemes of £18,511,690 are attached in Annex B of the report be approved for implementation; the Treasury Management Strategy attached at Annex C of the report be approved; the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement attached in the body of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement Annex C of the report be approved; the Prudential and Treasury Indicators attached at Annex C in the body of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement be approved; the Treasury Management Scheme of Delegation at Annex D of the report be approved; and the Treasury Management role of the S151 Officer attached at Annex E of the report be approved.

The subject of the decision:

This report considered the 10 Year Capital Programme covering the financial years 2021/22 to 2030/31, the 2021/22 Capital Programme and the Treasury Management Strategy Statement; including the Minimum Revenue Provision policy statement and Annual Investment Strategy.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the requirements as set out under the Local Government Act 2003 and the CIPFA Prudential Code.

The decision:

It is recommended that Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)    the 10 Year Capital Programme 2021/22 to 2030/31 at £35,398,320 be approved, as detailed in paragraph 2.2 and attached at Annex A of the report;

(2)    the Capital Programme 2021/22 at £26,059,362 detailed in Annex A of the report where the additional schemes of £18,511,690 are attached in Annex B of the report be approved for implementation;

(3)    the Treasury Management Strategy attached at Annex C of the report be approved;

(4)    the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement attached in the body of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement Annex C be approved;

(5)    the Prudential and Treasury Indicators attached at Annex C in the body of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement be approved;

(6)    the Treasury Management Scheme of Delegation at Annex D of the report be approved; and

(7)    the Treasury Management role of the S151 Officer attached at Annex E of the report be approved.

This report presents the Capital Strategy 2020/21 for consideration.  The purpose of the Capital Strategy is to give a clear and concise view of how a local authority determines its priorities for capital investment, sets its risk appetite and decides how much it can afford to borrow.

In accepting the recommendation, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the Capital Strategy 2021/22 attached at Annex A of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report presented the Capital Strategy 2020/21 for consideration.  The purpose of the Capital Strategy was to give a clear and concise view of how a local authority determined its priorities for capital investment, set its risk appetite and decided how much it could afford to borrow.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code of Treasury Management Code required local authorities, in 2019/20, to produce a Capital Strategy to demonstrate that capital expenditure and investment decisions are taken in line with service objectives and take account of stewardship, value for money, prudence, sustainability and affordability.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the Capital Strategy 2021/22 attached at Annex A of the report.

This report presents at a strategic level the revenue budget proposals for the next financial year 2021/22.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the revenue budget for 2021/22 at £10,351,080.

The subject of the decision:

This report presented at a strategic level the revenue budget proposals for the next financial year 2021/22.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the requirements of the Local Government Finance act 1992 to set a balanced budget and monitor the financial position throughout the year.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the revenue budget for 2021/22 at £10,351,080.

This report considers the level of Council Tax for 2021/22 and the policy on reserves.  It also provides details of the Council's other sources of funding; grants received from Government in the Local Government Finance Settlement, business rates and income generated from fees and charges.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will make a number of recommendations to Council regarding the setting of the level of Council Tax.

The subject of the decision:

This report considered the level of Council Tax for 2021/22 and the policy on reserves.  It also provided details of the Council's other sources of funding; grants received from Government in the Local Government Finance Settlement, business rates and income generated from fees and charges.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To maintain the long term viability of the Council’s finances and ensure sustainability by investing in community projects as determined by the Council’s priorities and supporting the maintenance and enhancement of service delivery. To maintain the integrity of the Council’s financial strategy.

The decision:

That Cabinet recommends to Council:

(1)           That it be noted that on 15 January 2021 Hambleton District Council calculated the Council Tax Base for 2021/22:

(a)           for the whole Council area as 37,342.89 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the "Act")]; and

(b)      for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as in the attached Annex A(1) of the report.

(2)      That the Council has calculated the Council Tax requirement for the Council's own purposes for 2021/22 (excluding Parish precepts) as £4,275,014.05.

(3)      That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2021/22 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

(a)           District/Parish Gross Expenditure

          £ 49,589,748.89          being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils

(b)           District/Parish Gross Income (including Government Grants, use of Reserves and Collection Fund Surpluses etc)

          £ 43,711,835.95          being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act

(c)           District/Parish Net Expenditure

          £ 5,877,912.94            being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act)

(d)           Basic Amount of Tax (including average Parish Precepts)

          £ 157.4038                  being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R) all divided by Item T (1(a) above), calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts)

(e)           Parish Precepts

          £ 1,602,898.89            being the aggregate of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per Annex ‘A’)

(f)            Basic Amount of Tax (Unparished Areas)

          £114.4800                  being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 4(e) above by Item T (1(a) above), calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CA.25

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of item 12 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The Decision:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items of business at minute no CA.27 on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as the Cabinet was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

This report sets out the proposed operational structure of the Crematorium and the wider Maple Park site.

The subject of the decision:

This report set out the proposed operational structure of the Crematorium and the wider Maple Park site.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that this project would deliver a service to Hambleton residents, which was currently not available within the District.  It was identified in the Council Plan 2019-2023 as one of the key projects under its priority “Caring for the Environment” and was consistent with the Council’s aim of improving access to services to all residents across the district.  It was also contributing to the Council’s Carbon Reduction agenda due to the

installation of an electric cremator.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)    the Council agrees the operational structure as set out in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.4 of the report; and

(2)    the Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader to:

        (i)     agree the detailed legal documentation required to set up the operational structure as set out in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.4 of the report; and

        (ii)    agree operational matters in association with the Hambleton Crematorium at Maple Park.

To confirm the decisions of the meeting held on 1 December 2020 (CA.9 - CA.17), previously circulated.

The Decision:

That the decisions of the meeting held on 1 December 2020 (CA.9 – CA.17), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.