Decision details

The report was introduced by the Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Economic Development Councillor Marcus Kravis.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·         The Chair of Scrutiny confirmed he was impressed with the schemes and how quickly they had been set up, and confirmed the need for urgency and had been happy to sign this off.

·         The officers were commended for their hard work.

·         It was urged that the total amounts of grants related to Covid-19 were being totalled and The Portfolio Holder confirmed these amounts were being tracked.

·         The s151 Officer drew attention to an error in the recommendations as written on the page and this amendment was read out to the meeting and accepted by the proposer and seconder.

·         Councillor Pugsley declared a pecuniary interest in regard to Item 11 – Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme and did not speak or vote on the item.

RESOLVED that the Council;

1)    Noted the decision made by the Chief Executive on 23 November 2020 under paragraph 5 of the Budget and Policy Framework within the Council’s Constitution in relation to the release of funds to the Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme.

2)    To reflect this new expenditure within the approved Budgets for the current year and next year, Council:

a)    Approved the creation of an Additional Restrictions Grant supplementary budget of £1,085,800 in 2020/21 and £2,016,500 in 2021/22, fully funded by £3,102,300 Government Grant income received in 2020/21;

b)    Delegated authority to the S151 Officer to transfer the unspent balance of the £3,102,300 government grant income into an Additional Restrictions Grant earmarked reserve at the end of 2020/21 to fund ARG expenditure in 2021/22;

c)    Delegated authority to the S151 Officer to carry forward or bring forward the budget amounts between the two financial years to reflect timing of expenditure within the overall budget total of £3,102,300 across the two years.

3) Agreed that decisions to reopen the scheme and to make any amendments to the scheme in response to changes to restrictions are delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Asset Management and Economic Development and the Director of Development and Place.

Councillor Palmer registered an absention.