Issue - meetings

The report and Appendices provides detailed information to support the costs associated with the list of assets that could potentially form the calculation for a special expense levy for 2012/13.

The information will assist Members in making an informed decision on those existing services that they wish to see provided in the currently unparished area of Crewe (consistent with those transferring to parishes areas) and the associated budgets that related to those services.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Performance, Customer Services and Capacity and the Director of Finance and Business Services which, together with 8 appendices, provided detailed information in respect of the costs associated with the list of assets that could potentially form the calculation for a Special Expenses Levy (SEL) for 2012/2013. 

Members of the Committee were invited by the Chairman to ask questions of the officers in respect of the information provided.  To provide the context for the discussion, officers explained the difference between on-going annual costs and one-off expenditure and provided information on the breakdown of individual cost headings (including the budget set by the Crewe Charter Trustees). 

A detailed debate then ensued regarding the data provided.  In response to questions raised, it was confirmed that the estimates identified in the report for 2012-2013 would ensure that current service levels were maintained.  Any enhancement to services which were proposed as part of the Committee’s deliberations would require the introduction of a Special Expenses Levy to fund them.  

Close examination of the figures by Members resulted in a number of comments being made as follows -

a)         Ward Population Figures

Further clarification was sought as to whether the ward figures provided included the parished areas in Leighton and non-parished area of Crewe South. 

b)         Service Management and Support  

A more detailed breakdown of the various overheads was requested to aid Members’ understanding.        

c)         Allotments     

i)          Anecdotal evidence from Members suggested that there had been a significant rise in allotment rents which did not equate to the budgetary figures provided.  The Head of Health and Wellbeing undertook to confirm the position and provide a written response to Members.   

ii)         Actual and estimated spend for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 had been identified in the budget but no forecast had been recorded against a range of premises and supplies headings for 2011-2012.  Officers undertook to provide an explanation of this variance.   

(Note: At this point in the meeting, Councillor Hogben declared a personal interest as a Cheshire East Allotment Holder).  

d)         Markets

The cost to the Council of agency staff and the payment of overtime during 2010-2011 was of concern to Members.  It was noted that this coincided with the temporary relocation of the outdoor market to Market Square during the redevelopment of Lyceum Square.  However, given that estimates had been included in the 2012-13 budgets for continued funding in these areas, a more detailed explanation was requested for the next meeting.       

The credibility of the figures relating to projected market rental income was questioned given that the number of stallholders was falling.  This had been compounded by the fact that responsibility for the payment of business rates now fell directly to the traders although some were eligible for small business relief due to the size of their pitch/stall.  Clarification was requested as to whether rents had been adjusted to reflect this change and whether this had been factored into calculations relating to projected income estimates. Members felt it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11