Agenda item

The Assistant Director of Finance gave a detailed explanation of the 2017/18 budget update to the Committee with more detailed discussion in the areas detailed below:

Improved Better Care Fund – An additional £7m had been provided by the Government in the Spring Statement, which would be reported to Full Council in July.  Members addressed the emerging pressures, which were being addressed with partners, detailed in the report.

The Local Authority and partners would be addressing areas that would no longer be funded, once the period of additional funding concluded.

Members noted the assistance however expressed concern that public perception would be that this funding was unlimited however, it was only for 3 years and stressed that Members needed to ensure their communities were are aware of this.

Homelessness Grant – the Committee noted that the new homelessness support grant would be ring-fenced for homelessness prevention, £0.207m in 2017/18 and £0.227m for 2018/19.  It was also noted that the Regeneration and Housing Scrutiny Panel, following it’s review last year, would be receiving an update on the effectiveness of the Navigators who would be working with people who had chaotic lifestyles.

Planning Fees – It was noted that the legislative planning fee increase by 20% from July was sizeable and would lead to a house extension application fees increasing from £172 to £206 with a new house build from £385 to £462.  Additional income was to be spent on improvements to services, for example, discharging planning conditions, pre-application advice and internal specialist advice.

Business Rates - Frustrations were highlighted that the Local Authority has a financial settlement to 2019/20 however it is unclear what the Government would do from 2020/21 to 2021/22.  The Assistant Director provided an explanation of how things might operate from 2021 and how this would be achieved.  However it was stressed that there were always areas that could not be controlled, for example, inflation.

The report detailed very prescriptive business rate changes for small medium and large businesses.  With regard to public houses the several descriptions were noted, particularly that they could not be restrictive, for example, having a membership removes working mens clubs from the list, it was noted that the Government guidance does provide local authorities with a remit to design a scheme to support priorities.

Rateable values were addressed, particularly following re-evaluation, noting that they had fallen generally, however, there were some large exception to that.  It was noted that in London there had been a 23% general increase.  Doncaster had been provided with funding to aid the transition for businesses to the increased business rate fees with the Council currently looking at the easiest way to limit the increase.

Budget Position – The current position was noted and it was stressed that there would be areas that may require amendment to ensure, for example, the elderly were supported in a responsible manner and providing the community more personal choice.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and thanks be give to the Assistant Director of Finance for the detailed information provided during discussion.