Agenda item

General Fund - Revenue Budget, Council Tax Levels and Capital Programme 2024/25

Meeting of Budget Setting Meeting, Council, Tuesday, 27th February, 2024 7.00 pm (Item 331.)

To determine the General Revenue Budget, Council Tax Levels and Capital Programme for 2024/25. In order to enable the Council to make the required decisions, the following documents are submitted:-

a) General Fund – Revenue Budget 2024/25

The proposals put forward by the Cabinet on 13^th February 2024 (updated) are set out in the attached report. The final proposals of the controlling administration will be submitted in advance of the meeting.

Item 7(a)1 - Council Tax Resolution – 2024-2025

The report sets out the Council’s budget requirement for 2024/2025 as presented to Cabinet on 13^th February 2024, its Precept on the Collection Fund and the formal details surrounding the Precept of other bodies on the Collection Fund.

b) New Scheme Additions to the Cabinet Programme in 2024/25

The proposals put forward by the Cabinet on 13^th February 2024 are set out in the attached report. The final proposals of the controlling administration will be submitted in advance of the meeting.

c) Comments and Recommendations of Overview and Scrutiny

The Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on 20^th February 2024 to consider the budget proposals for 2024/25. The Committee’s comments will be reported in advance of the meeting.

NOTE: In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders)(England)(Amendment)Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be required in respect of this decision.

Minutes:

Budget Debate Procedure

The Mayor introduced the proposed Budget Debate Procedure and sought approval of Council to adopt the procedure at the meeting, which involved changes to the usual Council Procedure rules. With the consent of the meeting, the proposed order of debate was duly adopted.

Members were reminded that, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, recorded votes would be required in respect of any financial decisions taken under this item.

The Acting Leader of the Council informed the Council that proposals for the 2024/25 General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme had been put forward at Cabinet on 13^th February 2024 and had been recommended to Council for approval. The proposals had also been submitted to the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20^th February 2024 at which a number of questions had been raised, comments made and three amendments to the recommendations had been submitted by the Labour Party. These amendments had subsequently been approved by the Committee. Councillor Short, Chair of the Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee, outlined the decisions of the Committee indicating their support of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2024/25 and Capital Programme 2024/25 – 2026/27, inclusive of the amendments.

The following reports were provided:-

a) General Fund - Revenue Budget 2024/25

The report included proposals as presented to and approved by the Cabinet on 13^th February 2024, however, the report had been updated since the Cabinet meeting to include additional growth. This growth had been fully funded by an increase in funding of £123,354, which was announced in the Government’s final finance settlement for 2024/25.

The recommendations agreed by Cabinet were as follows:-

(1) That Council approves an increase in Council Tax for 2024/25 of 2.99% increasing the charge for a Band D property to £268.43;

(2) That the Budget for 2024/25 would therefore be £16,121,900 as detailed in Appendices 1 to 3 of the Revenue Budget 2024-2025 report attached at Appendix A of the report;

(3) That Council approves the changes in budget requirement including inflation, growth and savings identified in Appendix 3 of the Revenue Budget 2024-25 report, to ensure the Council could set and approve a balanced budget;

(4) That Council note the significant improvement made in relation to budget monitoring and cost reduction within the Authority over the past 20 years and confirmed its commitment to continuing this approach in the year ahead;

(5) That Council approves that during the financial year 2024/25, the Executive Director of Resources be delegated responsibility to amend the Budget (following consultation with the Leader of the Council) for technical reasons, such as the restructuring of cost centres, the re-apportionment and re-allocation of overheads etc., provided such amendments had an overall neutral impact on the Budget;

(6) That Council approves that during the financial year 2024/25, the Executive Director of Resources be delegated responsibility to amend the Budget (following consultation with the Leader of the Council) should the estimate of Business Rates not be sufficiently accurate, by drawing on reserves if needed or paying over additional contributions to reserves;

(7) That to aid future financial management planning, any surpluses generated during 2024/25 were set aside to help the Council reduce its cost base over the next three years, to support its long term capital programme or to strengthen its overall reserve position;

(8) That Council approves that the Service, Funding Guarantee and New Homes Bonus Grants awarded for 2024/25 be used to help balance the Council’s Budget; and

(9) That Council approves that any additional funds from Government that are not ring-fenced funding, as well as any other surplus funds, could be used if required to support capital expenditure as determined by the Executive Director – Resources, in the overall financing of capital expenditure or be transferred to Reserves.”

Council was informed that increases in Council Tax were also expected by Lancashire County Council at 2.99% and a 2.0% increase to assist with meeting the cost of Adult Social Care, the Police Commissioner at 4.75%, Lancashire Combined Fire Authority at 2.99 % and Altham Parish Council has set a separate precept at 5.14%.

Council Tax Resolution

The report set out the Council’s budget requirement for 2024/25 as presented to Cabinet on 13^th February 2024, its Precept on the Collection Fund and the formal details surrounding the Precept of other bodies on the Collection Fund. The Council was, therefore, requested to consider the following recommendations:

That Council approves:

(1) the acceptance and adoption of the Cabinet’s recommendations on the Revenue and Capital Budgets and Prudential Indicators & Treasury Management Report for 2024/25 to 2025/26 made at the Cabinet meeting on 13^th February 2024;

(2) That Council Tax for Hyndburn Borough Council be increased by 2.99% from the 2023/24 charge and therefore, increase the charge by £7.79 to a new charge of £268.43 for the year for a Band D property;

(3) That the Council commits to continuing to strengthen its Reserves during the year and requires the Chief Executive and the Executive Director of Resources to take appropriate action to protect the Council’s overall financial position and further strengthen its reserves during the forthcoming year;

(4) That the Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive to take such action as he considers necessary to implement the measures contained in the Revenue Budget for 2024/25;

(5) That, it be noted that on 24^th January 2024 the Council at its Cabinet calculated: the Council Tax Base 2024/25 for the whole Council area as 22,095 (Item T in the formula in Section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)) and, for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as 317;

(6) That, Council agreed that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purpose for 2024/25 (excluding Parish precepts) is £5,930,961;

(7) That, Council agrees that the following amounts be calculated for the year 2024/25 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:

a) £58,604,193 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils;

b) £52,659,544 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

c) £5,944,649 being the amount by which the aggregate at 7(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 7(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31A(4) of the Act).

d) £269.05 being the amount at 7(c) above (Item R) all divided by Item T (5 above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts):

e) £13,688 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per Appendix B);

f) £268.43 being the amount at 7(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 7(e) above by Item T(5 above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish precept relates.

8) That Council note that the County Council, the Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated in the table below;

9) That the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the aggregate amounts shown in the table below as the amounts of Council Tax for 2024/25 for each part of its area and for each of the categories of dwellings;

Band D Council Tax Rates for Each Preceptor

	2023/24	2024/25	Increase
	£	£
Hyndburn Borough Council	260.64	268.43	2.99%
Lancashire County Council	1,574.71	1,653.29	4.99%
Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner	251.45	263.40	4.75%
Lancashire Combined Fire Authority	82.27	84.73	2.99%
Sub Total	2,169.07	2,269.85	4.65%
Altham Parish Council	41.07	43.18	5.14%
Total	2,210.14	2,313.03	4.66%

10) That the Council note the basic amount of Council Tax for 2024/25 is not considered excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52 ZB Local Government Finance Act 1992;

11) That the Executive Director of Resources, is given delegated authority to amend the budget (following consultation with the Leader of the Council) for technical reasons or to comply with legal requirements, such as the restructuring of cost centres, the re-apportionment and re-allocation of overheads, etc., so long as these changes have an overall neutral impact on the budget;

12) That any continuing balances on Revenue or Capital previously earmarked for Area Council continues to be set aside for use by these or their successor bodies;

13) That the Chief Executive is given delegated authority to use any unallocated surplus generated in 2024/255 should this occur to fund any future shortfall in income or additional expenditure, to support “Invest to Save” projects that will help reduce the Council’s long term costs (including additional payments to the Pension Fund as outlined below), or support specific capital projects, or finance other commitments that he deems to be in the best long term interest of the Council or to transfer funds to Reserves as required and to allocate funds between Reserves should an overspend occur in 2024/25 to maintain the General Fund Reserve at that appropriate level as advised by the Executive Director of Resources; and

14) That the Chief Executive is given delegated authority following consultation with the Leader of the Council to make a payment or payments to the Lancashire Pension Authority to help to reduce any of the Council’s pension liabilities, if this is calculated to be an appropriate use of Council Funds.

b) General Fund - Capital Programme 2022/23

The report informed the Council of the proposed capital programme for 2024/25 – 26/27. It set out the Council’s Capital Programme including forecast slippage on schemes for 2023/24 and the additions of new schemes to the Council’s Capital Programme for 2024/25. The recommendations agreed by Cabinet were as follows:-

“That Cabinet recommended that Council:-

“(1) approve the Capital Programme for 2024/25 including new scheme additions of £4,404,015 with a net cost to the Council of £1,861,000 as set out in Appendix 3.

(2) Approve the funding of the programme by the use of newly anticipated direct external grants totalling £2,543,015 with the remaining funding of £1,861,000 to come from the Council’s resources.

(3) Note the expected new scheme additions for 2025/26 and 2026/27;

(4) That delegated authority is given to the Executive Director (Resources), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources to flex the programme in accordance with the available funding, provided this does not require any additional borrowing;

(5) That the individual projects with the Capital Programme require the written authorisation of the Executive Director (Resources) following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources before commencing and incurring expenditure and that Service Managers provided the Executive Director of Resources, with written details of estimated costs of schemes with full justification of the need and benefits from undertaking the capital investments before approval is provided and that approval to commence is delegated to the Executive Director (Resources), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources. That where he deems it appropriate, the Executive Director (Resources) be given authority to release funding in stages to ensure effective financial control can be maintained and project risk managed; and

(6) That in-year underspends are not made available to fund new projects during the year.”

Budget Motion

A motion was proposed by the Acting Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Britcliffe and seconded by Councillor Steven Smithson to approve the budget recommendations for the General Fund Revenue Budget, General Fund Capital Programme Budget and Council Tax Levels for 2024/25, as submitted by the Controlling Group of the Council, as outlined above.

c) Comments and Recommendations of Overview and Scrutiny

The report included the comments and recommendations of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the draft Budget.

Councillor Paddy Short, in the absence of the Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, spoke to outline the following:-

At the annual Budget Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 16^th February, the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals submitted by the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Resources. The Opposition Group, Labour Party, submitted four alternative proposals for debate. Consideration was given to the additional proposals and the following three additional proposals were then put before the Committee:

- Participation in Pathway to Planning LGA Programme - £36,000

- An increase in support for the Citizens Advice Bureau for the period 2024/25 to assist more Hyndburn residents during the cost of living crisis and assist residents in the migration across to universal credit - £10,000

- Roll out of community clean up days (2 days per ward every year) – provision for skips and safety equipment - £19,000

The Committee considered the proposals and the recommendations were as follows:-

“That Council notes the following resolutions of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

(1) That the Committee notes the content of the reports relating to; Performance Indicators, Capital, Treasury Management and Investment Strategies 2024/25 – 2026/27, Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 – 2026/27, General Fund Revenue Budget 2024/25 and the Capital Programme 2024/25 – 2026/27;

(2) That the Committee thanks the Deputy Leader of the Council and Leader of the Labour Group for their participation in the Scrutiny meeting and debate;

(3) That the Executive Director or Resources, and all other officers involved, be commended for their work in producing the budget.

(4) That having reviewed and debated the budget submitted, the Committee supports the content of the revenue and capital budget reports, with the following amendments to the revenue budget (to be funded by an increase in the corporate savings target) which were submitted at the meeting:

- Participate in Pathway to Planning LGA Programme - £36,000

- Increase support for CAB for the period 24/25 to assist more Hyndburn residents during cost-of-living crisis and assist resident the migration across to UC - £10,000

- Roll out of community clean up days (2 per ward every year) – Provision for skips and safety equipment - £19,000.”

Amendments submitted by the Opposition Group (Labour Party)

The three amendments, as presented at the Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee by the Opposition Group (Labour Party) and as set out above, were moved and seconded en bloc and debated at the meeting. Each of the amendments were voted on as follows:

(Councillors Heather Anderson, Loraine Cox and Paul Cox were absent from the meeting)

Amendment 1 – Participate in Pathway to Planning LGA Programme, was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Judith Addison, Dominik Allen, Josh Allen, Peter Britcliffe, Danny Cassidy, Peter Edwards, Marlene Haworth, Susan Hayes, Carole Haythornthwaite, Terry Hurn (Mayor), Zak Khan, Sajid Mahmood, Caroline Montague, Joyce Plummer, Kath Pratt, Paddy Short, Steven Smithson and Mohammed Younis.

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Amendment 2 - Increase support for CAB for the period 24/25 to assist more Hyndburn residents during cost-of-living crisis and assist resident the migration across too UC, was then put to the VOTE.

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Paddy Short, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Amendment 3 – Roll out of community clean up days (2 per ward every year) – Provision for skips and safety equipment, was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST.

The Mayor, Councillor Hurn, then invited the main Opposition Group (Labour Party), to table any further amendments.

The Opposition Leader, Councillor Dad, circulated details of five proposed amendments to the revenue budget, as follows:

1. Develop a policy and framework around HMOs and Care Homes in Community in Hyndburn (£25,000);

2. Remove Pest Control Call Out Charge ‘Rat Tax’ brought in by the Conservative Administration and allow it to return to be a free service (£10,000)’

3. Review HBC Spare Land for potential creation of Bark Park around the borough (£3000)

4. Undertake a review of housing stock and prepare a bid to become a pilot area for Retro Fitting to regenerate Hyndburn and its Townships focused on historic housing stock (£50,000)

5. Implementation of Hyndburn Community Energy Programme (£50,000).

The meeting was then adjourned to consider the amendments tabled and the Political Groups were allocated ‘break out’ rooms to consider the amendments.

On return to the meeting, the amendments were proposed en bloc by Councillor Dad and seconded by Councillor Aziz. The meeting debated the amendments and voted upon them as follows:

Amendment 1 – Develop a policy and framework around HMOs and Care Homes in Community in Hyndburn

£25, 000 Revenue Impact

The Hyndburn Labour budget amendment signifies a proactive step towards addressing residents’ concerns surrounding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Care Homes’ applications mushrooming across Hyndburn. With an allocation of £25,000, this initiative aims to develop a comprehensive policy framework tailored to the unique challenges posed by the surge of HMOs and care homes in the borough.

This amount has been agreed as appropriate with the officer and will accelerate towards the development & implementation of a robust policy that can be adopted by the council, incorporating research, stakeholder consultation, and expert analysis.

This strategic investment underscores Hyndburn Labour dedication to addressing issues from residents’ feedback and filling a policy gap, ultimately striving to enhance accommodation standards within the community.

Amendment 1 was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST

Amendment 2 – Remove Pest Control Call Out Charge ‘Rat Tax’ brought in by the Conservative Administration and allow it to return to be a free service

£10,000 Revenue Impact

The fundamental aim of this budget amendment is alleviating some of the financial burden on Hyndburn poorest residents, the Hyndburn Labour Council has proposed a budget amendment to abolish the controversial Conservative ‘Rat Tax’ introduced and championed by members of this Conservative administration.

This tax, which imposed charges for pest control call-outs, is widely criticised for disproportionately affecting low-income households and exacerbating hygiene issues across the townships in Hyndburn. By advocating for the removal of this charge, Labour aims to restore fairness and accessibility to this essential pest control services, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their economic status, can access the support they need to maintain a healthy living environment.

Hyndburn Labour also recognises that the charge led to fewer missed appointments, so we would still retain a fee for missed appointments, enabling our officers to be utilised in an effective and efficient manner.

The decision to eliminate the ‘Rat Tax’ reflects Hyndburn Labour’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of Hyndburn’s residents above all else. Recognising the detrimental impact of financial barriers on public health and well-being, the proposed budget amendment seeks to reinstate pest control services as a free and accessible resource for all members of the community. By removing this regressive tax, Labour aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can address pests-related issues without fear of financial repercussions.

Furthermore, the move to revert to a free pest control service underscores Hyndburn labour’s dedication to being responsive and accountable to residents’ concerns and taking action to rectify inequities that Hyndburn residents face.

Amendment 2 was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST

Amendment 3 - Review HBC Spare Land for potential creation of Bark Park around the borough

£3,000 Revenue Impact

This Hyndburn Labour Budget amendment focuses on investigating council-owned land to assess the feasibility of establishing a ‘Bark Park’ within the borough. This initiative aims to address the needs of residents by providing a dedicated space for exercising their dogs safely. By repurposing unused council land, the project not only meets a community demand but also presents an opportunity for potential income generation adding to the parks and open spaces budget in the future.

The Bark Park concept aligns with the council’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles for both residents and their pets, fostering a sense of community engagement and responsible pet ownership. It also incorporates concept that are being implemented successfully in other areas but acting on resident’s feedback.

The proposed Bark Park underscores Hyndburn Labour’s commitment to utilising resources efficiently while meeting the needs the borough. Beyond its recreational benefits, the project offers a sustainable solution to repurpose idle council-owned land, transforming it into a valuable asset for the community. As a potential income-generating venture, the Bark Park demonstrates innovative, tapping into the growing demand for pet-friendly amenities while revitalising underutilised spaces.

Hyndburn Labour aims to create the basis of potentially delivering a tangible and inclusive solution that enhances the quality of life for residents and their furry companions alike.

This would be funded by the Invest to Save reserve unallocated balance and would lead to establishment of a working to prepare a report of the possible locations and future costs involved. This £3,000 would allow them a resource in delivering this.

Amendment 3 was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST

Amendment 4 – Undertake a review of housing stock and prepare a bid to become a pilot area for Retro Fitting to regenerate Hyndburn and its Townships focused on historic housing stock.

£50,000 Revenue Impact

The proposed budget amendment aims to initiate a transformative shift in Hyndburn’s housing landscape by conducting a comprehensive review of its historic stock. This initiative seeks to lay the groundwork for large-scale housing regeneration and retrofitting investment in our historic housing stock, positioning Hyndburn as a pioneering pilot area. By prioritising decarbonisation, the amendment underscores the council’s commitment aim to environmental sustainability while addressing pressing housing needs. The resulting report will serve as a blue print for future initiatives, leveraging innovative solutions to create healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods across Hyndburn and its townships.

This would allow the creation of a collaborative approach that would bring all the funding around this together with the sole focus of it leveraging further funding from other sources like Homes England and Central Government.

Though strategic investment in housing regeneration and retrofitting, Hyndburn aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents while mitigating the impacts of climate change. By accelerating the decarbonisation agenda, the proposed amendment aligns with broader efforts of the Hyndburn Climate Emergency Fund. Additionally, the initiative recognises the interconnectedness of environmental health and community well-being, fostering social cohesion and economic prosperity in Hyndburn and its townships.

Ultimately, the budget amendment represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, prioritising sustainability and inclusivity in housing across Hyndburn. By embracing innovation and collaboration, Hyndburn can position itself as a model for other communities seeking to address both housing affordability and environmental sustainability. Through this holistic approach, Hyndburn can cultivate thriving, resilient communities that serve as beacons of progress and prosperity for years to come.

This would be funded from the Hyndburn Climate Emergency Fund reserve unallocated balance.

Amendment 4 was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST

Amendment 5 – Implementation of Hyndburn Community Energy Programme

£50,000 Revenue impact

Amendment 5 was then put to the VOTE

Hyndburn Labour is proud to announce the launch of the Community Energy Programme, an initiative aimed at ushering in a greener, more sustainable era for Hyndburn and its residents. With a firm commitment to transforming our neighbourhoods through enabling renewable energy projects. By breaking down barriers and empowering residents to access clean, affordable energy, we aim to create a more resilient community that thrives on innovation and cooperation.

At the heart of the Community Energy Programme is its key objectives of having framework to maximise impact and ensure the success of green and sustainability initiatives. This will allow projects that take place in Hyndburn to be planned, efficient, and sustainable. From the installation of solar panels on residents’ properties and community buildings to the establishment of community power stations and cooperative EV charging points.

This investment will allow us create a framework that will enable implementation clean energy projects and drive investment into the borough.

This would be funded from the Hyndburn Climate Emergency Fund reserve unallocated balance and would accelerate in the implementation of the aims Hyndburn Climate Emergency Fund.

Amendment 5 was then put to the VOTE

For the Motion

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brerton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan,

Colin McKenzie, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Against the Motion

Abstentions

None

Accordingly, the AMENDMENT was LOST

There were no amendments proposed by the Green Party

The Substantive Motion

The Acting Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Britcliffe, having moved the Substantive Motion, then spoke as follows:-

The proposed Budget for 2024 had been set to invest in the regeneration and future of the people of Hyndburn. He explained that community grants had been made available to support local needs and there had been an abundance of funding brought into the borough to be invested in the town centre and Leisure. He referred to the importance of investment in the borough and to responding the climate emergency. The Acting Leader of the Council also paid tribute to Councillor Zak Khan for his environmental work.

A debate on the substantive motion followed. The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Levelling Up, Councillor Younis, pointed out that the proposed Budget was a prudent and cautious one and commended all involved in the setting the budget. He also commended the Member of Parliament, Sara Britcliffe, who had brought millions of pounds into the Borough. He pointed out that the budget was one for the future and would move the Borough forward.

Councillor Addison thanked the staff of Hyndburn Borough Council for their supportive work on setting the budget.

Councillor Aziz, Acting Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, commented that the Budget lacked ambition and would not address residents’ concerns. Councillor Zak Khan responded that much of the budget had been allocated to salaries and that it was important that this should happen to enable a good Council service.

THE SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was then put to the VOTE.

(Councillors Heather Anderson, Loraine Cox and Paul Cox were absent from the meeting and Councillor Colin McKenzie had left the meeting before its conclusion)

For the Motion

Councillors Judith Addison, Dominik Allen, Josh Allen, Peter Britcliffe, Danny Cassidy, Peter Edwards, Marlene Haworth, Susan Hayes, Carole Haythornthwaite, Terry Hurn, Zak Khan, Sajid Mahmood, Caroline Montague, Joyce Plummer, Kath Pratt, Paddy Short, Steven Smithson and Mohammed Younis.

Against the Motion

None

Abstentions

Councillors Noordad Aziz, Mike Booth, Scott Brereton, Steven Button, Andrew Clegg, Jodi Clements, Munsif Dad BEM JP, Bernard Dawson, Melissa Fisher, Abdul Khan, Dave Parkins, Kate Walsh and Kimberley Whitehead.

Accordingly, the MOTION was CARRIED as follows:-

Resolved (1) That, Council approved the acceptance and adoption of the Cabinet’s recommendations on the Revenue and Capital Budgets and Prudential Indicators & Treasury Management Report for 2024/25 to 2025/26 made at the Cabinet meeting on 13^th February 2024 ;

(2) That, Council approved Council Tax for Hyndburn Borough Council to be increased by 2.99% from the 2023/24 charge and therefore, increase the charge by £7.79 to a new charge of £268.43 for the year for a Band D property;

(3) That, Council commits to continuing to strengthen its Reserves during the year and requires the Chief Executive and the Executive Director of Resources to take appropriate action to protect the Council’s overall financial position and further strengthen its reserves during the forthcoming year;

(4) That, Council delegates authority to the Chief Executive to take such action as he considers necessary to implement the measures contained in the Revenue Budget for 2024/25;

(6) That, Council agreed that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purpose for 2024/25 (excluding Parish precepts) is £5,930,961;

(7) That, Council agreed that the following amounts be calculated for the year 2024/25 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:

a) £58,604,193 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils;

b) £52,659,544 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 21A(3) of the Act.

e) £13,688 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the A (as per Appendix B, as attached to the report;

f) £268.43 being the amount at 7(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 7€ above by Item T(5 above) calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those part of its area to which no Parish precept relates.

8) That Council noted that Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police & Crime Commissioner and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority had issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated in the table below;

9) That the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the aggregate amounts shown in the table, as set out in the report, as the amounts of Council Tax for 2024/25 for each part of its area and for each of the categories of dwellings;

10) That the Council noted the basic amount of Council Tax for 2024/25 was not considered excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52 ZB Local Government Finance Act 1992;

11) That the Executive Director of Resources, be given delegated authority to amend the budget (following consultation with the Leader of the Council) for technical reasons or to comply with legal requirements, such as the restructuring of cost centres, the re-apportionment and re-allocation of overheads, etc., so long as these changes have an overall neutral impact on the budget;

12) That any continuing balances on Revenue or Capital previously earmarked for Area Council continues to be set aside for use by these or their successor bodies;

13) That the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to use any unallocated surplus generated in 2024/255 should this occur to fund any future shortfall in income or additional expenditure, to support “Invest to Save” projects that will help reduce the Council’s long term costs (including additional payments to the Pension Fund as outlined below), or support specific capital projects, or finance other commitments deemed to be in the best long term interest of the Council or to transfer funds to Reserves as required and to allocate funds between Reserves should an overspend occur in 2024/25 ot maintain the General Fund Reserve at that appropriate level as advised by the Executive Director of Resources; and

14) That the Chief Executive be given delegated authority following consultation with the Leader of the Council to make a payment or payments to the Lancashire Pension Authority to help to reduce any of the Council’s pension liabilities, if this is calculated to be an appropriate use of Council Funds.

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