Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brown and Ellery.  It was reported that Councillor John Thomas would be arriving late to the meeting.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised that, as the meeting was being held remotely via Zoom during the Corona Virus pandemic, the meeting would follow the Remote Meeting Standing Orders with all voting being taken by roll call throughout the meeting, along with recorded votes for the capital and revenue budget.

At the invitation of the Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay, the Interim Monitoring Officer reminded Members of the dispensation granted in respect of Members’ interests in relation to the setting of the budget and Council Tax and matters relating to Council controlled companies where Members were appointed as unpaid directors by the Council.  It was noted that this meant Members were permitted to discuss and vote on the budget in respect of these matters without the need to declare an interest.

No interests were declared.

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet on the Revenue Budget proposals for 2021/2022 and the Chief Finance Officer’s Report. 

Please note:

·         Revenue Budget Digest 2021/2022;

·         Proposals for service change, income generation and savings 2021/2022 (including Equality Impact Assessments); and

·         Fees and Charges 2021/2022

Can be found at www.torbay.gov.uk/council/finance/budget/budget-202122/

Further to the meeting of the Council held on 4 February 2021, Members considered the recommendations of the Cabinet in relation to the Revenue Budget 2021/22 as set out in the submitted report and supporting documents. 

In accordance with legislation, the Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised that recorded votes would be taken on the motion and the objection.

Councillor Steve Darling proposed and Councillor Cowell seconded a motion as set out below:

(i)         that the proposals identified for efficiencies, service change and income generation in 2021/22 be approved (as set out in the Cabinet’s response to Consultation report);

(ii)        that the net revenue expenditure of £115.472m resulting in a Council Tax requirement of £74.607m for 2021/22 (a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, of which 3% is for Adult Social Care) be approved;

(iii)       that the Dedicated Schools Grant be used in accordance with the Schools Financial Regulations and that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to make amendments as required when the final figures are confirmed and this delegation is included in the next revision of the Council’s constitution;

(iv)       that the proposed Fees and Charges for 2021/22 be approved ((Public Pack)Agenda Document for Budget Digest, 19/01/2021 00:00 (torbay.gov.uk));

(v)        that, in accordance with the requirement of the Local Government Act 2003, the advice given by the Chief Finance Officer with respect to the robustness of the budget estimates and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves (as set out in the report) be noted; and

(vi)       that it be noted, that the Brixham Town Council precept for 2021/22 will be included as part of the Torbay Council budget for Council Tax setting purposes.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised that one notice of motion to object to the Cabinet’s revenue budget proposals had been received in accordance with Standing Order A13.4.

Councillor David Thomas proposed and Councillor Chris Lewis seconded an objection to the motion as follows:

that the Council formally objects to the Cabinet’s revenue budget proposals on the basis of the Cabinet’s proposed increase in Council Tax of 1.99%, in light of the financial burden and hardship this would cause our residents, particularly during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating financial impact this has had on many individuals and their families.  (Note:  the Conservative Group accept the 3% increase for Adult Social Care to support our partnership work with our health colleagues in the ICO.)  The Cabinet are asked to consider a zero percentage increase in Council Tax, recognising that there is a £7.1 million underspend in the current 2020/2021 Financial Year, which was not fully declared at the time of the public consultation on the Cabinet’s budget proposals.

In accordance with the Constitution at F2.9, the Council therefore requires the Cabinet to consider this objection by 18 February 2021 either:

a)         submit a revision of the estimates or amounts as amended by the Cabinet with the reasons for any amendments made to the estimates or amounts, to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 182.

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet on the Capital Plan Budget proposals for 2021/2022 including the Capital Strategy for 2021/2022.

Further to the meeting of the Council held on 4 February 2021, Members considered the recommendations of the Cabinet in relation to the Capital Plan 2021/2022 and Capital Strategy 2021/22 as set out in the submitted report.

In accordance with legislation, the Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised that recorded votes would be taken on the motion.

Councillor Steve Darling proposed and Councillor Cowell seconded a motion, which was agreed unanimously by the Council (by recorded vote) as set out below:

(i)         that the Capital Plan for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved;  and

(ii)        that the Capital Strategy 2021/22 be approved.

The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Amil, Atiya-Alla, Barnby, Barrand, Brooks, Bye, Carter, Cowell, Mandy Darling, Steve Darling, Dart, Douglas-Dunbar, Dudley, Foster, Hill, Howgate, Kennedy, Law, Barbara Lewis, Chris Lewis, Long, Loxton, Manning, Mills, Morey, O’Dwyer, Pentney, Stockman, Sykes, David Thomas, Jacqueline Thomas and John Thomas (32);  and Absent:  Councillors Brown, Ellery and Kavanagh (3).

To consider the submitted report on the above.

The Council received the Treasury Management Strategy for 2021/22 as set out in the submitted report.  Members noted the strategy aimed to support the provision of all Council services through the management of the Council’s cash flow, debt and investment operations.

Councillor Cowell proposed and Councillor Long seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

That Council approve:

(i)         the Treasury Management Strategy for 2021/22;

(ii)        the Prudential Indicators 2021/22; and

(iii)       the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2021/22,

as set out in the Appendix to the submitted report.