To consider the final recommendations of the Mayor on the Budget proposals for 2016/2017.  Included in this report are the following documents:

·       Revenue Budget 2016/2017

·       Budget Digest 2016/2017

·       Proposals for service change, income generation and savings 2016/2017

·       Equality Impact Assessments 2016/2017

·       Fees and Charges 2016/2017

·       Review of Reserves 2016/2017

·       Treasury Management Strategy 2016/2017 (incorporating the Annual Investment Strategy 2016/2017 and the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2016/2017

·       Revenue Budget Monitoring 2015/2016 – Quarter Three

·       Children’s Financial Plan – Progress Report

·       Record of Decision setting out the Mayor’s response to the Council’s objections to the Revenue Budget 2016/2017 (to follow)

·       Record of Decision setting out the Executive Lead for Business’ response to the Council’s objections to the Revenue Budget 2016/2017 (to follow)

See pages 2 to 88 - http://www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticServices/documents/b13117/Revenue%20and%20Capital%20Plan%20Budget%20201617%20Thursday%2011-Feb-2016%2017.30%20Council.pdf?T=9

The Council considered the final Revenue Budget proposals of the Mayor, which he had put forward following his consideration of the objections that were made by the Council at its adjourned meeting on 11 February 2016.

In accordance with legislation, the Chairman advised recorded votes would be taken on the motion and amendments.

It was proposed by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor Mills:

that it be recommended to Council:

(i)         that the net revenue expenditure and council tax requirement for 2016/17 as shown in paragraph 3.3 of the submitted report, that includes the funding raised by the 2% council tax increase specifically for adult social care, be approved;

(ii)        that in relation to (ii) above, Council confirms its commitment (by a statement signed by the Section 151 Officer) to allocate the additional funding raised by the 2% council tax increase to adult social care in 2016/17 and in future years;

(iii)       that the 2016/17 allocation of the revenue budget to services as per the budget digest and the associated fees and charges (both circulated separately) be approved, subject to a revised amount of £744,000 (an increase of £10,000) for Customer Services to be allocated from the Grant Income and Contingencies budget, to enable an appointments system for face to face enquiries one day per week in Council libraries in Torquay and Brixham;

(iv)       that the Dedicated Schools Grant be used in accordance with the nationally laid down Schools Financial Regulations (paragraph 11 of the submitted report) and that the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to make amendments as required when the final figures are confirmed and this authorisation be  included in the officer scheme of delegation;

(v)        that in accordance with the requirement of the Local Government Act 2003, to consider and note 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 (paragraph 12 of the submitted report);

(vi)       that Council approve the temporary use of £2.5m from the Insurance Reserve in 2015/16 to fund the projected 2015/16 overspend, which is  to be repaid from the 2016/17 budget;

(vii)      that Council note that Brixham Town Council have yet to set their budget for 2016/17 and this precept, when known, will be included as part of the Torbay Council budget for Council Tax setting purposes;

(viii)     that, subject to clarification of the acceptance process from DCLG, that Council delegate acceptance of a four year funding settlement for Revenue Support Grant to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Mayor  and Executive Director of Operations and Finance;

(ix)       that, the Review of Reserves 2016/2017 as set out in the submitted report at appendix 3, be approved; and

(x)        that, the Treasury Management Strategy 2016/2017 (incorporating the Annual Investment Strategy 2016/2017 and the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2016/2017) as set out in the submitted report at appendix 4 be approved.

In accordance with Standing Order A14.4, an amendment was proposed by Councillor Thomas (D) and seconded by Councillor Ellery:

that the Mayor’s Revenue Budget proposals be amended to include:

That the Assistant Director of Corporate and Business Services, in consultation with the Mayor and Group Leaders, be authorised to agree the criteria and principles for use of the transformation budget of £600,000.

A recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The vote was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Mayor Oliver, Councillors Amil, Barnby, Bent, Brooks, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Excell, Haddock, Hill, King, Kingscote, Lang, Lewis, Manning, Mills, Morey, Morris, O’Dwyer, Parrott, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Stubley, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (37).  Therefore, as more than two-thirds of Members present and voting had cast their vote in support of the amendment it was declared carried (unanimous).

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the following amendment, the Mayor declared his pecuniary interest in relation to Connections and withdrew from the meeting.)

In accordance with Standing Order A14.4, an amendment was proposed by Councillor Morey and seconded by Councillor Stocks:

(i)         that the Mayor’s Revenue Budget proposals be amended to include an additional £38,000 to be allocated from the Grant Income and Contingencies Budget for six months transitional funding of Connections to allow an options appraisal be to undertaken on the future of Customer Services;  and

(ii)        that an initial options appraisal be presented to the Council at its extraordinary meeting on 7 April 2016.

A recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The vote was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (25);  Against:  Councillors Amil, Brooks, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott and Stubley (11);  and Absent:  Mayor Oliver (1).  Therefore, as more than two-thirds of Members present and voting had cast their vote in support of the amendment it was declared carried.

The substantive motion (the original motion updated by the two amendments) was then before Members for consideration.

A recorded vote was taken on the substantive motion.  The vote was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Mayor Oliver, Councillors Amil, Barnby, Bent, Brooks, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Excell, Haddock, Hill, King, Kingscote, Lang, Lewis, Manning, Mills, Morey, Morris, O’Dwyer, Parrott, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Stubley, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (36);  and Against:  Councillor Sanders (1).  Therefore, as more than two-thirds of Members present and voting had cast their vote in support of the substantive motion it was declared carried.