No disclosures were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2022 (enclosed)

The minutes of meeting held on 5 September 2022, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Senior Democratic Services Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

DECISIONS

1.    That Cabinet considers the Affordable Housing report and recommendations at Appendix A of the report.

2.    That a written response to the report recommendations is provided to the   Scrutiny Commission within 2 months of receipt of the report using the response form at Appendix B of the report.

Reason:

It is a legal requirement for Cabinet Executive to respond to Scrutiny Commission recommendations within two months of receiving any such recommendations.

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic & Scrutiny Services Officer presented by Cllr. Sam Maxwell - Chairman of the Live Scrutiny Working Group and Scrutiny Commissioner.

Other options considered: No other options were considered.

To consider the report of the Planning & Strategic Growth Group Manager (enclosed). 

DECISION

That the allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Fund against a programme of Year 1 projects, subject to confirmation of funding be approved.

Reason:

To enable the Blaby District Council allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be spent in accordance with the submitted Investment Plan.

Considered- Report of the Planning & Strategic Growth Group Manager.

Other options considered: The other option is to not allocate any funding to a programme of Year 1 projects, however this would result in the allocation for 2022/23 potentially being lost.

To consider the report of the Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the financial performance against the budget for the quarter ending 30th September 2022 be accepted.

2.    That the forecast contribution of £455,800 from General Fund balances be accepted.

Reasons:

1.    The Council’s performance up to 30th September 2022, together with the anticipated impact on the Councils services due to the cost-of-living crisis and the increase in inflation, is giving rise to significant pressure on reserves and balances.

2.    However, the Council has been able to mitigate the impact of rising inflation on the budget by revising the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and taking advantage of higher investment returns.

Considered – Report of the Accountancy Services Manager, presented by the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered: None.

To consider the report of the Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the latest forecast in respect of the 2022/23 establishment be accepted.

2.    That the proposed establishment budget for 2023/24 be approved.

Reason:

The cost of the establishment is a significant part of the council’s overall budget and members are asked to consider and approve the budget for the next financial year. The final establishment costs will be incorporated into the General Fund budget for consideration in February 2023.

Considered – Report of the Accountancy Services Manager, presented by the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered: Not to produce a separate report on establishment costs ahead of the main budget proposals. This option is not considered appropriate given that the establishment budget constitutes such a significant proportion of core costs.

To consider the report of the Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

RECOMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

1.    That the report be accepted.

2.    That the latest Capital Programme totalling £8,039,700 be approved.

Reason:

To ensure that the Council has adequate resources in place to meet its capital expenditure commitments.

Considered – Report of the Accountancy Services Manager, presented by the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered: None.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

RECOMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

1.    That the latest position in respect of treasury activities, and the prudential indicators, be accepted.

2.    That the increase in the Capital Financing Requirement from £14.446m to £18.037m be approved.

Reasons:

1.    The regulatory framework governing treasury management activities includes a requirement that the Council should, as a minimum, receive a mid-year treasury monitoring report in addition to the forward-looking annual treasury strategy and the backward-looking annual treasury report.

2.    This report fulfils the requirement above and incorporates the needs of the Prudential Code to ensure adequate monitoring of capital expenditure plans and the Council’s prudential indicators. The treasury strategy and prudential indicators for 2022/23 were contained in the report approved by Council on 24th February 2022.

Considered: Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Other options considered: None, this report is a requirement of the Treasury Management Code of Practice.