Decisions

2.1             Cabinet recommended to Council to approve:

a)     An average rent increase of 6.79% per dwelling, in line with the Government’s rent restructuring regime, convergence in 2015/16, to take effect from 2 April 2012.

b)     The de-pooled service charges listed in Appendix 6 of the report.

c)      The increase in existing service charges listed in Appendix 6 of the report, which includes Sheltered Accommodation Warden charges (including Eleonore House), Heating service charges, garage charges and Brookside Meadows service charges.

2.2             That the feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered and welcomed (detailed at Appendix 1 of the report).

2.3             That the Council’s representations on the draft HRA Self-financing determination be noted (Appendix 2 of the report).

2.4             That the changes to the proposed budget (detailed at Appendix 3 of the report), in light of the consultation responses, equalities issues and the Governments Draft then Final HRA Self-financing Determinations be agreed.

2.5             That the HRA budget for 2012/13 of £50.2m expenditure (including options) be recommended to the Council (detailed in Appendix 4 of the report) for its own purposes.

2.6             That the Cabinet acknowledges the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Appendix 7 of the report).

2.7             That Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support to implement all budget options and restructures.

2.8             That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Support in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to:

¬         transfer monies from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year.

¬         update the budget tables and Appendices, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary

¬         update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, prior to Council for any budget changes that impact on these.

2.9             That the Council be recommended to confirm the reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated HRA reserves of £5.0m at the end of 2012/13 having regard to the outcome of the financial risk assessment and remaining at this level over the medium term and in line with the 30 year Business Plan.

Cabinet recommended the adoption of the Corporate Plan to Full Council at Appendix 1 of the report

Cabinet delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the authority to amend if necessary and finalise the:

1.                  Corporate Plan for presenting to Full Council 29 February in line with the budget decisions, service plans and any other consequent changes

2.                  Associated set of corporate measures to underpin the Plan by 31 March to be developed alongside the service planning process

2.1 Cabinet recommended to Council that they approved:

a)     The Treasury Management Policy Statement at Appendix C of the report

b)     The Treasury Management Practices (TMPs) Main Principles at Appendix D of the report

c)      The TMP Schedules for 2012-13 at Appendix E of the report

d)     The Treasury Management Strategy for 2012-13 at Appendix F of the report, incorporating:

(i) The Capital Financing and Borrowing Strategy for 2012-13 including:

·        The Council’s policy on the making of Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for the repayment of debt, as required by the Local Authorities (Capital Finance & Accounting) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2008.

·        The Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2012-13 as required by the Local Government Act 2003.

(ii) The Investment Strategy for 2012-13 as required by the CLG revised Guidance on Local Government Investments issued in 2010.

e)     That authority be delegated to the Council’s Chief Finance Officer, the Director of Finance and Support, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to make any temporary changes needed to the Council’s borrowing and investment strategy to enable the authority to meet its obligations.

2.2    Cabinet recommended to Council that they note

a) Adherence to the Council’s policy on reserves and balances (paragraph 3.2.13).

b) Compliance with the requirement under the Local Government Finance     Act 1992 to produce a balanced budget (paragraph 3.2.14 & 3.2.15).

Cabinet recommended to Council that they approve

a)     The Capital Strategy for 2012-13 to 2014-15, as set out in Appendix A of the report.

b)     The capital programme for 2012-13, including future year commitments, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

c)      The capital financing principles to be applied in 2012-13, as set out in the Capital Strategy (Appendix A of the report) pages 10-11.

d)     The proposed financing of the capital programme for 2012-13 and future years, as set out at paragraphs 3.2.16 and Appendix C of the report.

e)     That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Support in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, prior to Council for any capital programme changes that impact on these.

f)        That Cabinet be authorised, once the programme has been set, to approve new capital schemes and variations to existing schemes during 2012-13, subject to the funding being available and the schemes being in accordance with the objectives and priorities of the Council.

Cabinet recommended to Council that they approve:

The prudential indicators required under the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (2011 edition) as set out at paragraph 3.2.3 of the Cabinet report.

That authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer to make adjustments between the “borrowing” and “other long term liabilities” categories within the overall total of the indicators for the operational boundary and the authorised limit for external debt set out at paragraphs 3.2.3 (g) and (h) of the Cabinet report.

1.      Cabinet agreed that the feedback from consultation with the public, organisations and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered and welcomed (detailed at Appendices 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of the report).

2.      Cabinet agreed that the Council’s representations on the provisional formula grant settlement be noted (Appendix 2 of the report)

3.      Cabinet agreed hat the changes to the proposed budget (detailed at Appendix 3 of the report), in light of the consultation responses, equalities issues and the final formula grant settlement.

4.      Cabinet agreed that a General Fund budget for 2012/13 of £27.38m (excluding parishes) be recommended to the Council (detailed in Appendices 4 and 5 of the report) for its own purposes.

5.      Cabinet noted the key medium term financial issues as set out at Appendix 6 of the report.

6.      Cabinet noted the Chief Finance Officer’s legal duties detailed in the letter from the Chairman of CIPFA (Appendix 7 of the report).

7.      Cabinet acknowledged the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Appendix 8 of the report).

8.      Cabinet noted the draft Fees and Charges set out in Appendix 9 of the report

9.      Cabinet agreed that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the Council meeting of 29 February 2012.

10. Cabinet agreed that Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support to implement all budget options and restructures.

11. Cabinet agreed that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Support in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to:

·        transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year.

·        update the budget tables and appendices, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary.

·        update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, for Council for any budget changes that impact on these.

12. Cabinet agreed that the Council be recommended to confirm the reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years’ budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated general fund balances of £3m at the end of 2012/13 having regard to the outcome of the financial risk assessment and remaining at this level over the medium term.

13. That the Council be recommended not to increase the Council Tax for its own purposes, that is, excluding county, police, and parish precepts for 2012/13.

1.      Cabinet approved and adopted the attached document “Our Approach to Equalities” as the new equality strategy document for 2012 to 2015.

2.      Cabinet approved the corporate priority equality objectives to be incorporated in the Corporate Plan 2012-15, taking account of feedback through the current Budget Consultation and needs identified through the development of the Corporate and Service Plans.

3.      Cabinet delegated the setting of targets and measures to deliver the proposed Corporate Equality Objectives as set out in the report to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder.

4. Cabinet noted the progress on equalities within the Council.

1)     Note the report

2)     Note the actions taken in response to that report

B To review representations made on the focused changes together with additional minor proposed amendments to the plan. To approve the Plan for submission to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination.

To consider issues that may arise out of formal advertisement of proposed amendments to an existing Off Street Parking Places Order.

B Noting the report, approval of any relevant capital appraisals.

Provide formal response to recommendations.

That Cabinet note the contents of the report and considers what actions are necessary, if any, to address arising issues.

B To accept the initial findings of the Sheltered Housing Review and agree a further period of consultation.

B To agree to undertake a process, in conjunction with the voluntary and community sector to consult on the criteria for awarding discretionary business rates relief following the localisation of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) expected to take effect from 1^st April 2013

Seeks authority to dispose of land and buildings at 2-4 Edith Street, Northampton.

The Portfolio Holder has approved the disposal of land and buildings at 2-4 Edith Street.

B Approval of new 2011-12 and 2012-13 in-year capital appraisals and variations

B Approval of new 2011-12 and 2012-13 in-year capital appraisals and variations.

B Approval in principle to the disposal of land by private treaty that is identified in a proposed compulsory purchase order to be sought by WNDC.

To approve in principle the appointment of community organisation(s) to run one or more community centre(s).

B To approve in principle, the appointment of community organisation(s) to run one or more community centre(s).

To revoke the existing Kingsley Article 4 Direction (in place for the original extent of the Kingsley Conservation Area) and to serve a new Article 4 Direction for the current Kingsley Conservation Area as extended in March 2009.

B Consider representations made on the potential designation of the Billing Road Conservation Area and if necessary approve amendment to the boundary, area assessment and management plan prior to the designation of the Billing Road Conservation Area.

To review representations made on the draft St James Employment Area Local Development Order and if necessary approve any proposed changes to the Order, prior to its submission to the Secretary of State and subsequent adoption by the Council.

To receive the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel 2 Independent Living Strategy.

To receive the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel 1 – Hate Crime

B Approve the tenant involvement strategy.

B Approval to extend the cleaning service to flats and maisonettes that do not currently receive a service and review arrangements for existing services.

B To set out the representations received as a result of the public consultation and associated officer responses, together with any resultant amendments to the draft SPD. Following consideration of the responses and any proposed amendments, adoption of the SPD.

B To agree for the Draft SPD to be released for formal publication consultation in line with planning regulations.

B Approval of the revised Procurement Strategy

B Approve recommendations in relation to the future provision of ICT and Print Services.

B Approval of new 2011-12 in-year capital appraisals and variations.

B Decision to resolve four of the eleven Air Quality Management Areas within Northampton.

B Noting the report, approval if any relevant capital appraisals