Agenda and minutes

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with paragraph 2.24 of the Committee Procedure Rules and Appendix on Public Speaking, set out in the Constitution, a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to put questions to the Sub-Committee on any matter relating to this agenda. Each member of the public will be allowed up to two minutes to speak; the Chair will have discretion to vary this where they consider it appropriate.

Members of the public wishing to speak are required to provide notice of this at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

There were no public speakers.

To consider a report which will determine the allocation of the approved capital and revenue budgets to each of the service committees and review the MTFS assumptions and timelines.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on the allocation of the approved capital and revenue budgets to each of the service committees. The report also set out details of the general and earmarked reserves, assumptions underpinning the MTFS, supplementary estimates requiring approval by the Sub-Committee or Council, and an outline of the new budgetary process, timeline and consultation arrangements.

Members welcomed the fact that sessions would be arranged for all members in advance of the wider consultation on the MTFS.

It was proposed that a task group be appointed to work with the finance team in reviewing the MTFS assumptions with a view to reporting back to the Sub-Committee in September. The task group would comprise up to three members, with the Chair or Vice-Chair taking the responsibility to report back to the Sub-Committee. A provisional date of 27^th August at 11.00 am had been set for the task group’s meeting.

Officers were asked to clarify the position as regards asset transfers. Officers advised that the Economy and Growth Committee on 15^th July 2021 would be considering a revised asset transfer policy and framework for the Council. Specific asset transfer proposals may need to be considered by the Finance Sub-Committee in due course.

The Sub-Committee was asked to approve an amendment to the recommendations in the report to provide that the earmarked reserve for PFI Equalisation Reserve – Extra Care Housing should remain the responsibility of the Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED

That the Sub-Committee

1.    approves the allocation of the capital and revenue budgets, policy proposals and earmarked reserves to the following Committees in accordance with the MTFS approved in February 2021, as set out in Appendix A to the report:

§  Adults & Health

§  Highways & Transport

§  Children & Families

§  Economy & Growth

§  Environment & Communities

§  Corporate Policy

§  Finance Sub-Committee

subject to the following earmarked reserve remaining the responsibility of the Finance Sub-Committee:

PFI Equalisation Reserve – Extra Care Housing (£2.62m)

2.    notes MTFS assumptions, set out in paragraph 5.10 and Appendix C;

3.    notes the MTFS timelines, as set out in paragraphs 5.11 – 5.14;

4.    approves the formation of a task group, to work with the finance team in reviewing the assumptions and to report on the outcomes to the Finance Sub-Committee, the members of the task group to be as follows:

Councillor D Brown

Councillor S Carter

Councillor J Clowes

5.    approves the supplementary estimates as set out in Appendix D and to notify the relevant committees; and

6.    recommends to Council to approve:

§  fully funded supplementary estimates above £1,000,000 in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules as detailed in Appendix D - Table B.

To approve the outline of a training programme for members of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee considered a proposed training programme which aimed at providing members of the Sub-Committee with an appropriate level of understanding of Local Government financing as it related to Cheshire East Council. A description of each subject area was set out in the report.

At the Chair’s invitation, Councillor B Evans, a visiting member, asked if such training could be provided to all members of the Council. The Director of Finance and Customer Services undertook to take the matter away for consideration.

Members suggested that the training, if provided virtually, could be recorded and perhaps made available to other members.  

The question was asked whether there should be named reserve members for the Sub-Committee who had received the required training. It appeared, however, that some groups had made their own informal arrangements whereby a member with relevant experience would substitute when required.

RESOLVED

That the proposed training programme for members of the Finance Sub-Committee be approved as follows:

• The Financial Management Code
• The Financial Cycle
• Revenue and Capital Financing
• Management of Reserves
• Treasury Management

To consider the Sub-Committee’s work programme and determine any required amendments.

The Sub-Committee considered its work programme for 2021/22.

It was noted that at its next scheduled meeting on 2^nd September 2021, the Sub-Committee would be asked to appoint a Shareholder Working Group. It was suggested that there would be merit in appointing the members of the former ASDV Shareholder Committee to the Working Group in view of their knowledge and experience. This would be considered further at the meeting in September.

With regard to a proposed report to the September meeting on Procurement Pipeline, the Director of Finance and Customer Services undertook to give members of the Sub-Committee early sight of the report. This could then be used to identify any further training needs.

RESOLVED

That the work programme be approved.