Hart Borough Council
Councillors:
33
Wards:
11
Committees:
14
Meetings (2025):
60
Meetings (2024):
60
Meeting
Cabinet - Hart
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 6th February 2025
7:00 PM
Thursday, 6th February 2025
7:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 6th February 2025
11:00 PM
Thursday, 6th February 2025
11:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
06 Feb 2025
06 Feb 2025
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Deputy Leader
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder - Finance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Community Services
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Digital and Communications
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Planning Policy and Development Management
Officer
Chief Executive
Daryl Phillips
In attendance
Officer
Executive Director, Corporate Services & S151 Officer
Graeme Clark
In attendance
Officer
Committee and Member Services Manager
Sharon Black
Democratic Services
In attendance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Climate Change and Corporate Services
Officer
Executive Director - Place
Mark Jaggard
In attendance
Officer
Biodiversity Officer
Mike Barry
In attendance
Officer
Planning Policy and Economic Development Manager
Daniel Hawes
In attendance
Officer
Environmental Promotions - Service Manager
Adam Green
In attendance
Officer
Finance & Property Manager
Joanne Rayne
In attendance
Officer
UKSPF Senior Project Officer
Paula Stephenson
In attendance
Officer
Planning Policy - Strategic & Corporate Projects Manager
Christine Tetlow
In attendance
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Parking and Community Safety
Committee Member
Portfolio Holder - Regulatory
Agenda
1
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 2 January 2025 are attached for confirmation and signature as a correct record.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of Previous Meeting 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
The minutes of 2 January 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Radley; Unanimously agreed by those present at the January meeting
Proposed by: Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by: Cllr Radley; Unanimously agreed by those present at the January meeting
2
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.
Minutes
Apologies had been received from Cllr Quarterman.
3
Declarations of Interest
To declare disclosable pecuniary, and any other interests*.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.
*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.
Minutes
Cllr Bailey declared a personal interest in the UKSPF item, as he was now a member of the Parochial Church Council of St Peter’s in Yateley. He would not comment during the discussion on this item nor vote, but would remain in the room.
4
Chair's Announcements
Minutes
The Chair announced that he had made an Emergency Decision on Monday 20 January 2025 to advise the Government, through Salix, that the grants for the public sector decarbonisation programme projects for both The Harlington and the Civic Offices would not be drawn down, as the projects would not be going ahead at this time.
5
Public Participation (Items Pertaining to the Agenda)
Anyone wishing to make a statement to the Committee should contact Committee Services at least two clear working days prior to the meeting. Further information can be found
online.
online.
Minutes
There were none.
6
Odiham and North Warnborough Neighbourhood Plan Review
To consider the Examiner’s report into the Draft Odiham and North Warnborough Neighbourhood Plan Review 2014-2032 (the Draft Review Plan), and to decide whether it should proceed to referendum with any modifications deemed necessary.
Recommendations
Cabinet is asked to agree the following recommendations:
i. Agree to the Examiner’s recommended modifications set out at Table 1 of the Decision Statement at Appendix 2, for the reasons set out in the Examiner’s report.
ii. That the Council make one additional modification - to delete criterion (g) of Policy 2i Land at Longwood - to correct an error.
iii. To resolve that the Draft Review Plan, incorporating the both the Examiner’s recommended modifications, and the corrective modification referred to in Recommendation 2, meets the necessary legal tests set out at Appendix 3 of this report and must therefore proceed to referendum.
iv. That the referendum area coincides with the designated neighbourhood area i.e. Odiham Parish.
v. That the Decision Statement at Appendix 2 is published in accordance with Regulation 18(2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended).
Recommendations
Cabinet is asked to agree the following recommendations:
i. Agree to the Examiner’s recommended modifications set out at Table 1 of the Decision Statement at Appendix 2, for the reasons set out in the Examiner’s report.
ii. That the Council make one additional modification - to delete criterion (g) of Policy 2i Land at Longwood - to correct an error.
iii. To resolve that the Draft Review Plan, incorporating the both the Examiner’s recommended modifications, and the corrective modification referred to in Recommendation 2, meets the necessary legal tests set out at Appendix 3 of this report and must therefore proceed to referendum.
iv. That the referendum area coincides with the designated neighbourhood area i.e. Odiham Parish.
v. That the Decision Statement at Appendix 2 is published in accordance with Regulation 18(2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended).
Attachments:
- Document Odiham & North Warnborough NP Cabinet Report 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 1 Examiner's Report into the Odiham and North Warnborough Neighbourhood Plan Review 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 2 Decision Statement 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 3 Legal Tests 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 4 Habitat Regulations Assessment Addendum 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered the Examiner’s report into the Draft Odiham and North Warnborough Neighbourhood Plan Review 2014-2032 (the Draft Review Plan), and to decide whether it should proceed to referendum with any modifications deemed necessary.
Members heard:
· That the Plan Review was being undertaken against the NPPF dated 2023
· The major change was the removal of one of the sites, but that this would not impact delivery of the Hart local plan in any way
· If the plan was accepted, when new housing targets came into effect from 1 May 2025, it would be discussed further with the Parish Council
· That there was an error in the covering report, in paragraph 36, the word “not” had been omitted. The sentence should read “…Policy 2i referred to above at paragraphs 19 and 20 does not differ from the Examiner’s recommendations…”.
Proposed by: Cllr Oliver; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Thanks were given to members of the Parish Council and local community for their assistance in the review of one of the first Neighbourhood Plan’s brought forward in the District.
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following:
i. The Examiner’s recommended modifications set out at Table 1 of the Decision Statement at Appendix 2, for the reasons set out in the Examiner’s report.
ii. The Council make one additional modification - to delete criterion (g) of Policy 2i Land at Longwood - to correct an error.
iii. To resolve that the Draft Review Plan, incorporating the both the Examiner’s recommended modifications, and the corrective modification referred to in Recommendation 2, meets the necessary legal tests set out at Appendix 3 of this report and must therefore proceed to referendum.
iv. The referendum area coincides with the designated neighbourhood area i.e. Odiham Parish.
That the Decision Statement at Appendix 2 is published in accordance with Regulation 18(2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended).
Members heard:
· That the Plan Review was being undertaken against the NPPF dated 2023
· The major change was the removal of one of the sites, but that this would not impact delivery of the Hart local plan in any way
· If the plan was accepted, when new housing targets came into effect from 1 May 2025, it would be discussed further with the Parish Council
· That there was an error in the covering report, in paragraph 36, the word “not” had been omitted. The sentence should read “…Policy 2i referred to above at paragraphs 19 and 20 does not differ from the Examiner’s recommendations…”.
Proposed by: Cllr Oliver; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Thanks were given to members of the Parish Council and local community for their assistance in the review of one of the first Neighbourhood Plan’s brought forward in the District.
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following:
i. The Examiner’s recommended modifications set out at Table 1 of the Decision Statement at Appendix 2, for the reasons set out in the Examiner’s report.
ii. The Council make one additional modification - to delete criterion (g) of Policy 2i Land at Longwood - to correct an error.
iii. To resolve that the Draft Review Plan, incorporating the both the Examiner’s recommended modifications, and the corrective modification referred to in Recommendation 2, meets the necessary legal tests set out at Appendix 3 of this report and must therefore proceed to referendum.
iv. The referendum area coincides with the designated neighbourhood area i.e. Odiham Parish.
That the Decision Statement at Appendix 2 is published in accordance with Regulation 18(2) of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended).
7
Biodiversity Net Gain – Habitat Bank Creation
Cabinet to consider using council-owned land to create biodiversity net gain units and form a habitat bank. This would involve the creation of a new earmarked reserve to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the costs of maintaining the land over the length of the scheme
Recommendation
Cabinet to agree the following recommendations.
The standard cost for unit sales is set at £30,000 in the first instance, subject to annual review to ensure that the scheme and all associated costs remain self-financed A new earmarked reserve is created to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the total costs of administrating the scheme and maintaining the land over the length of the scheme That authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Communities and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Countryside and Finance, to fund the remaining project costs subject to detailed costings being agreed upon and conditional on the scheme being demonstrated as viable to the market To recruit 1.5 full-time staff members to support the running of the new Habitat Bank and associated services, including software The council should enter into reciprocal arrangements with other bodies and local authorities for monitoring habitat banks, and the Executive Director—Communities be given authority to enter into legal agreements for monitoring and reporting our habitat bank sites. The council offers a service of monitoring third-party sites within Hart and neighbouring districts, e.g., Rushmoor District Council and Hampshire County Council
Recommendation
Cabinet to agree the following recommendations.
The standard cost for unit sales is set at £30,000 in the first instance, subject to annual review to ensure that the scheme and all associated costs remain self-financed A new earmarked reserve is created to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the total costs of administrating the scheme and maintaining the land over the length of the scheme That authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Communities and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Countryside and Finance, to fund the remaining project costs subject to detailed costings being agreed upon and conditional on the scheme being demonstrated as viable to the market To recruit 1.5 full-time staff members to support the running of the new Habitat Bank and associated services, including software The council should enter into reciprocal arrangements with other bodies and local authorities for monitoring habitat banks, and the Executive Director—Communities be given authority to enter into legal agreements for monitoring and reporting our habitat bank sites. The council offers a service of monitoring third-party sites within Hart and neighbouring districts, e.g., Rushmoor District Council and Hampshire County Council
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet Feb 2025 BiodiversityNetGainandHabitatBank 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Feasibility Study 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Offsetting Business Case 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered using council-owned land to create biodiversity net gain units and form a habitat bank. This involved the creation of a new earmarked reserve to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the costs of maintaining the land over the length of the scheme.
Members heard:
· This paper had been to Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its comments had been taken into consideration
· The Environment Act 2021 required developers achieve 10% biodiversity net gain for each site
· Work has been done with consultants to ensure that we could offer habitat banks to developers both in our own and other districts/boroughs – a suite of sites had been identified that could be used to meet demand in the first instance with the potential for any profits being used to purchase additional sites to meet future demand
· The fee had been set at £30,000 per biodiversity unit, but this would be kept under review
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Clarke
Members questioned:
· What a biodiversity unit was
· How the fee of £30,000 had been arrived at and how this compared to the market in general
· What the correlation between the number of houses built and the number of habitat banks needed was
· Whether each unit was a fixed size and whether they could be anywhere in the country
· Whether it would be possible to increase the cost in the future part way through an agreement
· Whether developers had the potential to purchase more than the equivalent to 10% of biodiversity units
· Whether the use of SANG space for biodiversity projects was allowed
Members discussed:
· That this is an emerging market and that we would need to monitor the market and refine our offer as required
· That this was the start of our offer, and that we were “ahead of the curve” in this area
· That the charging mechanism would allow the scheme to provide some funding to help purchase further sites
· That if any future review showed a high demand, then a further paper would be brought back to Cabinet for approval
· Funding had been included in the budget for 2025/26
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following:
The standard cost for unit sales is set at £30,000 in the first instance, subject to annual review to ensure that the scheme and all associated costs remain self-financed A new earmarked reserve is created to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the total costs of administrating the scheme and maintaining the land over the length of the scheme That authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Communities and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Countryside and Finance, to fund the remaining project costs subject to detailed costings being agreed upon and conditional on the scheme being demonstrated as viable to the market To recruit 1.5 full-time staff members to support the running of the new Habitat Bank and associated services, including software The council should enter into reciprocal arrangements with other bodies and local authorities for monitoring habitat banks, and the Executive Director—Communities be given authority to enter into legal agreements for monitoring and reporting our habitat bank sites.
The council offers a service of monitoring third-party sites within Hart and neighbouring districts, e.g., Rushmoor District Council and Hampshire County Council
Members heard:
· This paper had been to Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its comments had been taken into consideration
· The Environment Act 2021 required developers achieve 10% biodiversity net gain for each site
· Work has been done with consultants to ensure that we could offer habitat banks to developers both in our own and other districts/boroughs – a suite of sites had been identified that could be used to meet demand in the first instance with the potential for any profits being used to purchase additional sites to meet future demand
· The fee had been set at £30,000 per biodiversity unit, but this would be kept under review
Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Clarke
Members questioned:
· What a biodiversity unit was
· How the fee of £30,000 had been arrived at and how this compared to the market in general
· What the correlation between the number of houses built and the number of habitat banks needed was
· Whether each unit was a fixed size and whether they could be anywhere in the country
· Whether it would be possible to increase the cost in the future part way through an agreement
· Whether developers had the potential to purchase more than the equivalent to 10% of biodiversity units
· Whether the use of SANG space for biodiversity projects was allowed
Members discussed:
· That this is an emerging market and that we would need to monitor the market and refine our offer as required
· That this was the start of our offer, and that we were “ahead of the curve” in this area
· That the charging mechanism would allow the scheme to provide some funding to help purchase further sites
· That if any future review showed a high demand, then a further paper would be brought back to Cabinet for approval
· Funding had been included in the budget for 2025/26
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following:
The standard cost for unit sales is set at £30,000 in the first instance, subject to annual review to ensure that the scheme and all associated costs remain self-financed A new earmarked reserve is created to enable the carry forward of the balance of income from the sale of the units to fund the total costs of administrating the scheme and maintaining the land over the length of the scheme That authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Communities and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Countryside and Finance, to fund the remaining project costs subject to detailed costings being agreed upon and conditional on the scheme being demonstrated as viable to the market To recruit 1.5 full-time staff members to support the running of the new Habitat Bank and associated services, including software The council should enter into reciprocal arrangements with other bodies and local authorities for monitoring habitat banks, and the Executive Director—Communities be given authority to enter into legal agreements for monitoring and reporting our habitat bank sites.
The council offers a service of monitoring third-party sites within Hart and neighbouring districts, e.g., Rushmoor District Council and Hampshire County Council
8
UKSPF Monitoring Report
Hart District Council (HDC) has been granted £1million through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to fund projects identified in HDC’s Local Investment Plan (LIP). This report provides an update on the financial plan.
Recommendation
Cabinet agrees to:
i. Approve the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 in the report
ii. Note the revised financial plan for 2024/25 in Appendix 1.
Recommendation
Cabinet agrees to:
i. Approve the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 in the report
ii. Note the revised financial plan for 2024/25 in Appendix 1.
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet UKSPF Report 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 1 UKSPF Plan 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Hart District Council (HDC) has been granted £1million through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to fund projects identified in HDC’s Local Investment Plan (LIP). This report provides an update on the financial plan.
As declared earlier, Cllr Bailey did not take part in the discussion or vote on this item.
Members were reminded that the Council had received just short of £1m in funding from the Government, and that most schemes had now either been delivered or were in the final stages.
A further funding round for 2025/26 had been agreed by the Government, with Hart being awarded £327,000. A paper would be brought to March Cabinet on this.
The following amendment to recommendation (i) was proposed:
“Approves the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 below and delegates authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to allocate any remaining balance to any scheme(s) on this list as appropriate”
The amended recommendations were proposed by Cllr Neighbour and seconded by Cllr Wildsmith.
Unanimously agreed by all those who voted
Thanks were given to those Officers who had worked on the UKSPF scheme over the past three years.
Decision
Cabinet agreed to:
Approve the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 below and delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to allocate any remaining balance to any scheme(s) on this list as appropriate
Note the revised financial plan for 2024/25 in Appendix 1.
As declared earlier, Cllr Bailey did not take part in the discussion or vote on this item.
Members were reminded that the Council had received just short of £1m in funding from the Government, and that most schemes had now either been delivered or were in the final stages.
A further funding round for 2025/26 had been agreed by the Government, with Hart being awarded £327,000. A paper would be brought to March Cabinet on this.
The following amendment to recommendation (i) was proposed:
“Approves the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 below and delegates authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to allocate any remaining balance to any scheme(s) on this list as appropriate”
The amended recommendations were proposed by Cllr Neighbour and seconded by Cllr Wildsmith.
Unanimously agreed by all those who voted
Thanks were given to those Officers who had worked on the UKSPF scheme over the past three years.
Decision
Cabinet agreed to:
Approve the allocation of the programme’s remaining funds in accordance with Table 1 and 2 below and delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to allocate any remaining balance to any scheme(s) on this list as appropriate
Note the revised financial plan for 2024/25 in Appendix 1.
9
Q3 Budget Monitoring Report and Forecast Outturn for 2024/25 – incorporating Treasury Activity
To receive the Q3 Budget Monitoring Report and Forecast Outturn for 2024/25, and to receive the report on Treasury Activity.
Recommendations
That Cabinet:
i. Notes the projected Revenue outturn for 2024-25
ii. Notes the forecast Capital position for 2024-25
iii. Notes the Treasury Management position at 31st Dec 2024
Recommendations
That Cabinet:
i. Notes the projected Revenue outturn for 2024-25
ii. Notes the forecast Capital position for 2024-25
iii. Notes the Treasury Management position at 31st Dec 2024
Attachments:
- Document 24-25 Q3 Outturn Report 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix A Revenue & Capital Outturn 24-25 Q3 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix B Revenue & Capital Outturn 24-25 Q3 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Cabinet received the Q3 Budget Monitoring Report and Forecast Outturn for 2024/25, and to receive the report on Treasury Activity.
Members heard:
· At the end of Q3, there was a forecast underspend of £1.33m, which was a similar position to the forecast at the end of Q2
· The Capital Budget underspend was £5.5m at present, although this reflected that capital projects spanned several years
· Future reports would show a capital budget report timeframe of three years, rather than just one, to give a better overview
· Interest received continued to be high, although interest rates were now slowly dropping
· The building control service was now budget neutral
· Of the projected £1.3m surplus, £1m had been set aside for work on the local plan, and £90,000 to help tackle fly tipping
Members discussed:
· The forecasted increase in rent deposit payments, and whether this was a local or national issue
Decision
Cabinet:
Noted the projected Revenue outturn for 2024-25 Noted the forecast Capital position for 2024-25
Noted the Treasury Management position at 31st Dec 2024
Members heard:
· At the end of Q3, there was a forecast underspend of £1.33m, which was a similar position to the forecast at the end of Q2
· The Capital Budget underspend was £5.5m at present, although this reflected that capital projects spanned several years
· Future reports would show a capital budget report timeframe of three years, rather than just one, to give a better overview
· Interest received continued to be high, although interest rates were now slowly dropping
· The building control service was now budget neutral
· Of the projected £1.3m surplus, £1m had been set aside for work on the local plan, and £90,000 to help tackle fly tipping
Members discussed:
· The forecasted increase in rent deposit payments, and whether this was a local or national issue
Decision
Cabinet:
Noted the projected Revenue outturn for 2024-25 Noted the forecast Capital position for 2024-25
Noted the Treasury Management position at 31st Dec 2024
10
Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy
The Council must set a balanced budget for 2025/2026. The draft revenue and capital budget proposals are summarised in this report.
Recommendation
Cabinet agrees the following recommendations to Council:
a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, changes to fees and charges for 2025/26 in line with the principles set out in this report (full details will be reported to full Council), approval of the changes to the car park charges as set out in Appendix 1 that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years approval of the draft Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in paragraph 19 and Appendix 2, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at paragraph 21 and Appendix 2, approval of the 3-year Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 3, noting that 2026/27 and 2027/28 are subject to confirmation of funding approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 4, incorporating the budget principles and plan, that a new earmarked reserve be set up to meet the costs of preparing for devolution and local government reorganisation, the amount to be determined in a report to Cabinet setting out a costed resource plan approval of the continuation of the capital receipt flexibility strategy allowed under the Government direction, as detailed in the report. not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating
Recommendation
Cabinet agrees the following recommendations to Council:
a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, changes to fees and charges for 2025/26 in line with the principles set out in this report (full details will be reported to full Council), approval of the changes to the car park charges as set out in Appendix 1 that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years approval of the draft Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in paragraph 19 and Appendix 2, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at paragraph 21 and Appendix 2, approval of the 3-year Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 3, noting that 2026/27 and 2027/28 are subject to confirmation of funding approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 4, incorporating the budget principles and plan, that a new earmarked reserve be set up to meet the costs of preparing for devolution and local government reorganisation, the amount to be determined in a report to Cabinet setting out a costed resource plan approval of the continuation of the capital receipt flexibility strategy allowed under the Government direction, as detailed in the report. not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet Feb 25 budget report 29 Jan 2025
- Document Updated Parking Jan25 (1) 29 Jan 2025
- Document Budget report Appendix 2 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Capital Budget 25_26 Budget Report (1) 29 Jan 2025
- Document Budget Appendix 4 MTFS Cabinet 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Council must set a balanced budget for 2025/2026. The draft revenue and capital budget proposals are summarised in this report.
Members heard:
· That the Council was presenting a balanced budget for 2025/26, despite several significant challenges
· Funding received from central government had been lower than in previous years
· There was an expectation from government that the Council would increase council tax by 2.99% to cover any gap in funding
· There would be an annual council tax increase of £204 for a Band D property
· Fees and charges would generally be increased in line with inflation
· Car parking charges would be increased for the first time in six years
· It was proposed that the extended producer responsibility funding expected from the government be transferred to reserves to help mitigate costs
· The increase in National Insurance costs would be in the region of £300,000, and £70,000 funding had been received from the government to help offset these costs
The following amendment to the recommendations (iv) was proposed by the S151 Officer:
“that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, and the National Insurance funding is transferred to the budget pressures reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years”
The amended recommendations were proposed by: Cllr Radley and seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Members discussed:
· Why the UKSPF funding for 2025/26 had not been included in the budget
· How developer contributions were dealt with in the budget and whether there was any clear understanding of how much s106 money would be received in 2025/26
· Whether there had been any additional growth items received that had not been put forward for inclusion in the budget
· The number of planned projects that already had allocated funding from reserves that would be started or continued in 2025/26
· That a business case for resource funding for work on the local government reorganisation would be coming to April Cabinet. Funding had already been set aside from reserves to cover this work.
· Potential underfunding from the government for the costs associated with food waste collection
· Whether the fair funding review would still go ahead
The S151 Office also advised Cabinet that the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) highlighted that there are emerging budget challenges which would need to be addressed as soon as possible, and these were outlined in Appendix 4 of the report.
The amended recommendations were unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet
A. noted the S151 Officer’s advice on emerging 2026/27 MTFS budget pressures;
B. agreed to recommendation to Council:
a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, changes to fees and charges for 2025/26 in line with the principles set out in this report (full details will be reported to full Council), approval of the changes to the car park charges as set out in Appendix 1 that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, and the NI funding is transferred to the budget pressures reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years approval of the draft Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in paragraph 19 and Appendix 2, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at paragraph 21 and Appendix 2, approval of the 3-year Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 3, noting that 2026/27 and 2027/28 are subject to confirmation of funding approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 4, incorporating the budget principles and plan, that a new earmarked reserve be set up to meet the costs of preparing for devolution and local government reorganisation, the amount to be determined in a report to Cabinet setting out a costed resource plan approval of the continuation of the capital receipt flexibility strategy allowed under the Government direction, as detailed in the report.
not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating
Members heard:
· That the Council was presenting a balanced budget for 2025/26, despite several significant challenges
· Funding received from central government had been lower than in previous years
· There was an expectation from government that the Council would increase council tax by 2.99% to cover any gap in funding
· There would be an annual council tax increase of £204 for a Band D property
· Fees and charges would generally be increased in line with inflation
· Car parking charges would be increased for the first time in six years
· It was proposed that the extended producer responsibility funding expected from the government be transferred to reserves to help mitigate costs
· The increase in National Insurance costs would be in the region of £300,000, and £70,000 funding had been received from the government to help offset these costs
The following amendment to the recommendations (iv) was proposed by the S151 Officer:
“that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, and the National Insurance funding is transferred to the budget pressures reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years”
The amended recommendations were proposed by: Cllr Radley and seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Members discussed:
· Why the UKSPF funding for 2025/26 had not been included in the budget
· How developer contributions were dealt with in the budget and whether there was any clear understanding of how much s106 money would be received in 2025/26
· Whether there had been any additional growth items received that had not been put forward for inclusion in the budget
· The number of planned projects that already had allocated funding from reserves that would be started or continued in 2025/26
· That a business case for resource funding for work on the local government reorganisation would be coming to April Cabinet. Funding had already been set aside from reserves to cover this work.
· Potential underfunding from the government for the costs associated with food waste collection
· Whether the fair funding review would still go ahead
The S151 Office also advised Cabinet that the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) highlighted that there are emerging budget challenges which would need to be addressed as soon as possible, and these were outlined in Appendix 4 of the report.
The amended recommendations were unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet
A. noted the S151 Officer’s advice on emerging 2026/27 MTFS budget pressures;
B. agreed to recommendation to Council:
a 2.99% increase in Hart District Council’s Band D Council Tax Charge for 2025/26, changes to fees and charges for 2025/26 in line with the principles set out in this report (full details will be reported to full Council), approval of the changes to the car park charges as set out in Appendix 1 that the 2025/26 Extended Producer Responsibility funding be transferred to the waste cost contingency fund reserve, and the NI funding is transferred to the budget pressures reserve, this approach to be reviewed in future years approval of the draft Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as summarised in paragraph 19 and Appendix 2, incorporating the baseline net service cost variations included at paragraph 21 and Appendix 2, approval of the 3-year Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix 3, noting that 2026/27 and 2027/28 are subject to confirmation of funding approval of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as set out in Appendix 4, incorporating the budget principles and plan, that a new earmarked reserve be set up to meet the costs of preparing for devolution and local government reorganisation, the amount to be determined in a report to Cabinet setting out a costed resource plan approval of the continuation of the capital receipt flexibility strategy allowed under the Government direction, as detailed in the report.
not to change the Council’s existing Council Tax Support Scheme other than the required statutory uprating
11
Draft Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Capital Strategy
To present the draft of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 which incorporates the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy, Annual Investment Strategy and Prudential and Treasury Indicators. Setting a Capital Strategy, which is also presented for consideration, is also a statutory requirement and this sets the overall strategic context for the treasury activity. There are no major changes proposed in the 2025/26 draft documents compared to the current year’s approved ones.
Recommendation
Cabinet to agree the following recommendations to Council:
i. To approve the draft Treasury Management Strategy Statement and the Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it.
ii. To approve the Annual Investment Strategy.
iii. To approve thedraft Capital Strategy.
Recommendation
Cabinet to agree the following recommendations to Council:
i. To approve the draft Treasury Management Strategy Statement and the Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it.
ii. To approve the Annual Investment Strategy.
iii. To approve thedraft Capital Strategy.
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet Feb 2025 - Treasury report 29 Jan 2025
- Document Treasury Appendix 2 Capital Strategy 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Cabinet was presented the draft of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26 which incorporates the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy, Annual Investment Strategy and Prudential and Treasury Indicators. Setting a Capital Strategy, which is also presented for consideration, is also a statutory requirement and this sets the overall strategic context for the treasury activity. There are no major changes proposed in the 2025/26 draft documents compared to the current year’s approved ones.
Members heard
· That this was similar to last year’s paper as the strategy had proven to work extremely well
· The Council continued to invest ethically
· With a slow downturn in investment rates, it was likely that returns would not be as healthy as they had been recently
Proposed by: Cllr Radley; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Members received assurance that with interest rates potentially remaining higher than anticipated earlier in year, that figures in the budget were realistic.
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following recommendations to Council:
i. To approve the draft Treasury Management Strategy Statement and the Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it.
ii. To approve the Annual Investment Strategy.
To approve the draft Capital Strategy.
Members heard
· That this was similar to last year’s paper as the strategy had proven to work extremely well
· The Council continued to invest ethically
· With a slow downturn in investment rates, it was likely that returns would not be as healthy as they had been recently
Proposed by: Cllr Radley; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour
Members received assurance that with interest rates potentially remaining higher than anticipated earlier in year, that figures in the budget were realistic.
Unanimously agreed.
Decision
Cabinet agreed the following recommendations to Council:
i. To approve the draft Treasury Management Strategy Statement and the Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision policy contained within it.
ii. To approve the Annual Investment Strategy.
To approve the draft Capital Strategy.
12
Review of Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations
This report requests approval of the Financial Regulations and Contract Procurement Rules. The biennial review has been undertaken and no material changes have been proposed to these documents.
Recommendation
That Cabinet recommends to Council that the reviewed Financial Regulations, and Contract Procurement Rules, are approved
Recommendation
That Cabinet recommends to Council that the reviewed Financial Regulations, and Contract Procurement Rules, are approved
Attachments:
- Document Draft Cabinet - FinRegs-CPRs Review Feb 2025 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Financial Regulations 29 Jan 2025
- Document Appendix 2 Contract Procurement Rules v2 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
Cabinet was requested to approve the Financial Regulations and Contract Procurement Rules. The biennial review has been undertaken and no material changes have been proposed to these documents.
Members noted:
· A full review of both the Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations had been undertaken two years ago, and would be kept on a two year review cycle
· The Contract Procedure Rules had been amended to ensure that they were compliant with the new Procurement Act
Proposed by: Cllr Radley; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour; Unanimously agreed
Recommendation
Cabinet recommended to Council that the reviewed Financial Regulations, and Contract Procurement Rules, were approved
Members noted:
· A full review of both the Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations had been undertaken two years ago, and would be kept on a two year review cycle
· The Contract Procedure Rules had been amended to ensure that they were compliant with the new Procurement Act
Proposed by: Cllr Radley; Seconded by: Cllr Neighbour; Unanimously agreed
Recommendation
Cabinet recommended to Council that the reviewed Financial Regulations, and Contract Procurement Rules, were approved
13
Cabinet Work Programme
To consider and amend the Cabinet Work Programme.
It is recommended that the item on the Hartley Wintney Conservation Area Appraisal be removed from the Work Programme as the parish council has now ceased work on this.
It is recommended that the item on the Hartley Wintney Conservation Area Appraisal be removed from the Work Programme as the parish council has now ceased work on this.
Attachments:
- Document Cabinet Work Programme February 2025 V4 29 Jan 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Work Programme was considered and amended as follows:
· Papers on local government reorganisation would be brought to Cabinet as and when required. A paper on funding for resources would be brought forward in April, and this was included in the work programme
It was proposed that the Hartley Wintney Conservation Area Appraisal item be removed from the work programme, as the Parish Council had decided not to move forward. Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Oliver; unanimously agreed.
· Papers on local government reorganisation would be brought to Cabinet as and when required. A paper on funding for resources would be brought forward in April, and this was included in the work programme
It was proposed that the Hartley Wintney Conservation Area Appraisal item be removed from the work programme, as the Parish Council had decided not to move forward. Proposed by Cllr Neighbour; Seconded by Cllr Oliver; unanimously agreed.
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in