Policy and Strategy Committee

Thursday 19 June 2003 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Hill, McCabe, McCormick (M), Mitchell, Nimmo, Roach and Robertson.

Chair:  Councillor Blair presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance, Director of Legal & Support Services, Director of Social Work & Housing Services and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

Apologies:  Councillor Snoddy.

486

Remits from Committees

486

It was noted that there were no remits from Committees.

487

General Fund Revenue Budget 2003/04

487

There was submitted a report dated 4 June 2003 by the Director of Finance on the position of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2003/04 as at 28 May 2003 (Period 2).

(Provost Rebecchi entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

Noted

488

Non-HRA Capital Programme 2003/05

488

There was submitted a report dated 4 June 2003 by the Director of Finance (1) on the current position of the Non-HRA Capital Programme 2003/05 and (2) comparing projected expenditure against capital consent limits.

Noted

489

General Services and Housing Revenue Accounts - Revenue Budget Update 2004/05 to 2005/06

489

There was submitted a report dated 9 June 2003 by the Director of Finance advising of the significant challenge facing the Council in respect of the General Services and Housing Revenue Account Revenue Budgets for 2004/05 to 2005/06.  In respect of the General Services Revenue Budget, the report advised that on the basis of the 2003/04 Budget and the indicative Council Tax increase of 5% agreed for 2004/05 and 2005/06, the savings required for the financial years 2004/05 and 2005/06 would be £6.011 million and £0.804 million respectively.  Alternatively, the Council Tax would require to be increased by a further 20% in addition to the indicative 5% in order to address the funding gap should it be considered that the savings could not be achieved.  It was noted that the Budget for 2003/04 included the sum of £500,000 for the costs of developing the Education PPP and would therefore require revision as a result of the decision of the Policy & Strategy Committee on 22 May 2003.  The report further advised that in respect of the Housing Revenue Account, the 2003/04 Budget had been projected forward for 2004/05 on the basis of a continuation of the 4% average weekly rent increase and the maintenance of a minimum reserve of £0.5 million resulting in a savings requirement in the order of £3 million.  Alternatively, rents would require to be increased by a total of 15% in order to address the funding gap should it be considered that the savings could not be achieved.

Decided:

(1) that it be noted that a meeting of the Policy Review Group had been convened and that the Group’s recommendations would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee;

(2) that budgetary issues relating to the General Services and Housing Revenue Accounts be progressed as a matter of priority in order to achieve a sound financial base and for the Council to be in a position to set a legally balanced budget; and

(3) that it be noted that the Chief Executive will report to the next meeting of the Committee on the finalised Community Plan.

490

Inverkip Community Council - Request for Financial Assistance

490

There was submitted a report by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request received from Inverkip Community Council that the Council consider providing financial assistance towards the cost of professional representation on behalf of the Community Council at the likely public inquiry relating to Inverclyde Council’s Local Plan Final Draft.

Following discussion, Councillor Blair moved that no action be taken on the request.  As an amendment, Councillor Forbes moved that a grant of £3,000 be provided to Inverkip Community Council.  On a vote, 1 Member voted for the amendment and 9 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that no action be taken on the request.

491

Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 - Delegation of Power

491

There was submitted a report dated 12 March 2003 by the Director of Legal & Support Services advising of the use of emergency powers to grant to the Director of Legal & Support Services delegated power to make applications to the Sheriff in terms of Sections 53 and 57 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 seeking Intervention or Guardianship Orders.

Noted