Agenda item

To receive the report of the Finance Manager (s151 Officer)

Resolved

a)     That the garden waste collection charges currently £35 per annum; be increased by £5 per annum for 2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24 at which point the charge will be £50 per annum, as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.3 attached to the Report.

b)     That car parking charges within Westward Ho! and Appledore as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased (increase phased in over 3 years)

c)      That car parking charges within the Towns of Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased (increase phased in over 3 years)

d)     That other car parking permit charges as detailed in the Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased.

Recommendations to Full Council

e)     That Torridge’s Band D Council Tax for 2021/22 be increased by £5 (2.96%) from £168.66 to £173.66 per year.

f)       That Torridge’s Net Revenue Budget 2021/22 be £6.956m

g)     That contributions to the Council’s reserves as outlined in paragraph 12.4 of the report be approved.

h)     That the new PiDs detailed in Appendix 1, Capital Report, attached to the Report

       be added to the Council’s approved capital programme.

The Finance Manager & s151 Officer introduced the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider, formulate and recommend the Budget 2021/22 to Full Council.    The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) indicates the possible extent of the budget and funding shortfall that the Council will face in the future.   It is an aid in identifying the extent of service changes that the Council will need to make to achieve a balanced budget in each financial year up to 2025/26. 

A detailed and informative slide presentation was given by the Finance Manager & s151 Officer highlighting the salient points in the report. 

Councillor Hodson, Deputy Leader, addressed the meeting, recognising the necessity to maintain service provisions and the need to raise additional funding through fees and an increase in Council Tax.  Councillor Hodson endorsed the recommendations in the report.

Councillor James, Leader, re-enforced the comments made by Councillor Hodson. 

Both Councillor Hodson and Councillor James acknowledged the excellent presentation given by the Finance Manager & s151 Officer.

Questions/concerns raised by Members and addressed by Officers included:

• Capital Income – sale of 2 assets, Westcombe and Brunswick Wharf did not appear to be included.  The chief Executive explained that the disposal of Westcombe had been built into the Capital Programme in 2017 when the decision to pursue options for a new depot had been taken by Members.    Brunswick to be included in the capital income should the development progress as approved by Full Council.

• Loss of car parking at Brunswick Wharf, had this been built into car parking income?  It is anticipated that car parking will be re allocated to other sites in and around Bideford.   The Head of Communities & Place confirmed there will be capacity in other car parks and it is envisaged that discussions will take place with the Developer for a residents parking scheme.

• Increase in garden waste charges – a recommendation was put forward that this to be increased to £50 in the first year and to be maintained for three years.

• Council Tax increase – the reasoning for the recommendation stated in the report was explained.

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Hicks and –

Resolved

a)     That the garden waste collection charges currently £35 per annum; be increased by £5 per annum for 2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24 at which point the charge will be £50 per annum, as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.3 attached to the Report.

b)     That car parking charges within Westward Ho! and Appledore as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased (increase phased in over 3 years)

c)      That car parking charges within the Towns of Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington as detailed in Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased (increase phased in over 3 years)

d)     That other car parking permit charges as detailed in the Appendix 1 Capital Report section 3.7.4 attached to the report be increased.

Recommendations to Full Council

e)   That Torridge’s Band D Council Tax for 2021/22 be increased by £5 (2.96%) from £168.66 to £173.66 per year.

f)    That Torridge’s Net Revenue Budget 2021/22 be £6.956m

g)   That contributions to the Council’s reserves as outlined in paragraph 12.4 of the report be approved.

h)   That the new PiDs detailed in Appendix 1, Capital Report, attached to the Report be added to the Council’s approved capital programme.

A recorded vote was taken.

(Vote:  For 8, Against 3, Abstentions 1)