Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Nigel Teesdale. 

(Cllr Sebert Graham attended the meeting and apologies for absence were recorded incorrectly).

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 19 January 2021 to be confirmed as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting of the meeting held on 19 January 2020 were agreed.

The Committee will receive a report to consider the Special Expenses Budget 2021/22.

Presenters:

Anne Begley, Interim Finance Business Partner

Ramesh Prashar, Head of Finance

Andy Sherwood, Contract Manager

Matthew Strevens, Head of Corporate Finance

Following the previous meeting members considered a revised report outlining the proposed budget for Special Expenses for 2021/22 and the impact on the precept of the unparished area of High Wycombe.

Members had provided questions and received responses in advance of the meeting, and a copy of these would be attached to the minutes once published.   Members raised a number of clarifications to the answers and responses were provided where possible.

Members raised concern on a number of points including the increase of the Band D Council Tax, recreation grounds, allotments, maintenance charges, and the cost of the computer system regarding allotments.  Also, that not all of the questions had been answered adequately with some Members stating that the officers employed by the Council did not understand the special expenses budget for High Wycombe.

The presenting officer suggested (as he had at the last meeting) that a sub-committee be set up in the autumn so that members could be actively involved in the preparation of the Special Expenses budget for 2022/23.  Arrangements would be made with members and the Chairman regarding this matter.

It was also noted that a revised Appendix B providing correcting information with regards to the VAT calculation had been circulated.

A discussion was also undertaken with regards to the budget of Aylesbury Town council in comparison the management costs within the Special Expenses budget.

Fees and Charges: Members considered the options outlined in the report.  Councillor M Clarke, seconded by Councillor Marten Clarke, proposed to not increase the cemetery costs.  After being put to a vote this was agreed by a majority of the Committee.

Council Tax: However, a further proposal was put forward by Councillor Marten Clarke, seconded by Cllr K Ahmed, proposing to not increase the HWTC’s Band D Council Tax.  After being put to a vote this was agreed by the majority of the Committee and recommended to Cabinet.

RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET:

i)   That there be no increase in the Fees & Charges relating to Cemeteries in Appendix B.

ii)   That there be no increase to the HWTC’s Band D Council Tax for 2021/22.