Agenda item

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

Councillor Azad, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Financial Planning and Policy, introduced the report outlining the proposed General Fund, Service Plans, Budgets and Prudential Indicators 2020-21.  Councillor Azad advised that the provisional local government settlement announced on 20 December 2019 had been consistent with the forecasts in the November draft budget.  As in 2019/20, the negative Revenue Support Grant (RSG) had been removed.  It was noted that the government review of local government funding had been deferred until 2021/22.  The reduction in the New Homes Bonus (NHB) was highlighted.

Councillor Azad reported that the General Fund Budget proposed an increase in Council Tax of 2.08% for 2020-21 which resulted in a Band D Council Tax figure for 2020-21 of £245.46 or an increase of £5.00 per annum at Band D.

The Executive noted the proposal to bring forward the overnight charge for the town centre car parks from 7pm to 6pm from 1 April 2020 in order to encourage visitors to the town for evening theatre and cinema entertainment and to support the wider night time economy in the town centre.  The Executive was advised that a one year pilot would be undertaken in order to assess the impact.  The potential effect on climate change of the proposal was raised.

The Executive welcomed government legislation which would enable councils to increase the Council Tax premium on domestic properties that had been left empty and substantially unfurnished for two years or more.  It was proposed that the Council implemented the increased premiums in line with the legislation.

Following a question regarding HG Wells Conference and Events Centre, the Executive was advised that Officers were continuing to work with the different user groups in order to find alternative facilities.

Discussion ensued on the pension fund and it was noted that the fund was performing well and was almost 100% funded.

Regarding paragraph 10.19 of the report, it was explained that the Council would be taking ownership of the boilers in Woking Park following their replacement upon reaching end of life.

Following a question regarding the Housing Service Plan, Officers confirmed that the New Vision Homes (NVH) Residents Board was still functioning and that the Council was open to new volunteers.  It was noted that resident engagement was important particularly around the Council’s Housing Strategy and the NVH contract, which was due to expire in 2022.

REcommendED to Council  

That  (i)    the Revenue Estimates and Human Resource requirements for 2020/21 be approved;

          (ii)   a Band D Council Tax for the Borough of Woking for 2020/21 of £245.46 be approved;

          (iii)  the charge for overnight car parking in the town centre car parks be amended to apply from 6pm from 1 April 2020;

          (iv)  a long-term empty premium of 200% be added to the Council Tax payable for properties empty and substantially unfurnished for between 5 and 10 years from April 2020, and of 300% to be added to the Council Tax payable for properties empty and substantially unfurnished for over 10 years from April 2021;

          (v)   the Prudential Indicators at Appendix 3 to the report be approved, subject to any changes arising from consideration of the Investment Programme, revenue budgets and Final Government Settlement;

          (vi)  the Service Plans for 2020/21 at Appendix 4 to the report be approved; and

          (vii) the Food Safety Plan and Health and Safety Plan at Appendix 4a and 4b to the report be approved.

Reason:   To recommend that Council approves the resources necessary to implement its Service Plans and objectives and raises the necessary revenue through the determination of Council Tax for 2020/21.