Agenda and minutes
PDF 101 KBVenue: Council Chamber - South Kesteven House, St. Peter's Hill, Grantham. NG31 6PZ. View directions
Contact: Anita Eckersley
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Comments from members of the public
To receive comments or views from members of the public at the Committee’s discretion. Minutes: A statement regarding raising the long-stay tariffs in Welham Street Car park, Grantham together with suggestions to improve parking there and in nearby streets had been submitted by a local resident.
The Chairman assured the local resident that the issues raised in her statement would be passed to Cabinet and taken into consideration when parking tariffs were being considered. |
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One Minute silence
Minutes: A one minute silence was held in memory of Councillor Terl Bryant who had recently passed away. The Chairman paid tribute to how hard he had worked to ensure the Council was in a stable financial position. A letter of condolence from the Chairman of the Council had been sent to the family on behalf of Members and staff of South Kesteven District Council. |
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Membership
The Committee to be notified of any substitute members. Minutes: Councillor Bob Adams substituted for Councillor Peter Stephens for this meeting only. Councillor Phil Dilks substituted for Councillor Tracey Forman for this meeting only. |
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Apologies
Minutes: Apologies for absence had been received from:
Councillors, Cunningham, Exton, Forman, Manterfield, Powell, Sampson, Stephens, Stevens, S Stokes and Trollope-Bellew. |
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Disclosure of Interests
Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting. Minutes: There were no disclosures of interest for this meeting. |
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Budget proposals 2018/19
Report CFM447 of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cabinet Member for Communities (Enclosure)
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman noted that prior to the start of the meeting, it had come to his attention that the proposals for increasing Car Parking charges were to be removed from the budget proposals for 2018/19 and would therefore not be considered at this meeting or the Cabinet meeting on 11 January 2018.
In response to Members requests for clarification about why the proposals had been withdrawn at such late notice, the Cabinet Member for Retail and Visitor Economy explained that following feedback from residents and group, further work would be required on the parking tariffs.
The Leader confirmed that following the concern expressed by residents and group members, the proposed changes to Car Parking charges would be removed from the budget proposals for 2018/19. Other initiatives being considered for implementation that would encourage greater car park usage included improved signage, new car parking machines and positive enforcement. The existing charging structure would remain in place.
Members queried why this had only just come to light, especially as members of the public had attended the meeting to listen to this particular aspect of the budget proposals. Clarification was also sought on whether the £250k car parking charges in the budget proposals would be removed or included. The Committee was informed that the £250K would still be included in the budget proposals but would be achieved through other initiatives.
Discussion ensued about the perception of the way decisions were being made, the consequence of holding a budget scrutiny meeting so close to a Cabinet meeting and the lack of opportunity of being able to speak at a Cabinet meeting for members of the public.
In response to Members concerns about the public attending and no opportunity to speak about the car parking issue either at this meeting or Cabinet, the Chairman read the statement submitted by the local resident and confirmed that he would ensure this would be taken into consideration and copies would be provided for the Cabinet meeting.
The Chairman welcomed the new format and the opportunity provided for Scrutiny Committee Members to review and consider the Budget Proposals for 2018/19 prior to it going before Cabinet. Members were reminded that Scrutiny was the eyes and ears of the decision making process. The role at this meeting being to consider and seek clarification on elements of the budget proposals.
Members were reminded of the recent changes in governance personnel and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Reference was also made to an ever diminishing Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and the need for the Council to have a balanced budget that provided it with the opportunities, resources and funding to deliver services, future initiatives and projects whilst allowing for investment as well as provide savings for a rainy day.
The Leader noted the difficult times ahead. He paid tribute to how Councillor Bryant had helped prepare the Council for the reduction of the Revenue Support Grant and how he had helped lay the financial foundations. The way forward was to ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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Close of Meeting
Minutes: The meeting closed at 5.15pm. |